About the Book:

This volume Shakespeare and Sexuality draws together ten important essays of interest to students, scholars, and Shakespeare enthusiasts, which use a variety of approaches and materials to explore the significance of sexuality in Shakespeare's work. Some consider the erotic effect of Shakespeare's language in his use of metaphor and transgressive riddle and pun. Others are concerned with expressions of desire (male, female, inter-racial, homosexual and heterosexual) in performance as well as text. A radical re-reading of Shakespeare’s sonnets shifts the sexual focus from a male lover to a black woman. The essays, many are reprinted from Shakespeare Survey, are introduced by Ann Thompson's freshly conceived survey of the topic in recent criticism, and conclude with a new essay by Celia Daileader on nudity in Shakespeare films.

What people say:

"This is a skilfully edited volume that traverses a number of Shakespearian and non-Shakespearian texts, and offers a representative variety of different approaches to this perplexing topic. ... important contributions to a debate that shows no sign of abating." — Notes and Queries

"...this volume should appeal to scholars because of its diverse critical methodologies and range of discussed plays." — Sixteenth Century Journal

"...all [of the essays] are stimulating." — Ben Jonson Journal

About the Author:

Catherine M. S. Alexander is Lecturer in Shakespeare Studies, Shakespeare Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon and Research Fellow, University of Birmingham. She has written on eighteenth-century appropriations of Shakespeare and is the co-editor with Stanley Wells of Shakespeare and Sexuality.

Stanley Wells is Emeritus Professor, University of Birmingham and a renowned authority on Shakespeare and other writers of his time. He is General Editor of the Oxford Shakespeare and has published many books and articles on the subject and lectured all over the world. A world-renowned authority, he regularly appears on TV, radio, and in the press whenever Shakespeare is discussed. He is Chair of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Honorary Governor Emeritus of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and member of the Board of Directors of the Globe Theatre. In 2007, he was awarded a CBE.