Synopses & Reviews
Kenneth Muir was King Alfred Professor of English Literature at Liverpool University from 1951-1974. He edited a wide array of Shakespeare's plays, including
King Lear,
Othello,
Richard II, and
Troilus and Cressida. His books include
Shakespeare as Collaborator,
Shakespeare's Tragic Sequence, and
Last Periods of Shakespeare, Racine, Ibsen. Muir's introduction to
Macbeth delves first into the history of the text itself, including notes on the first printings and when they were produced. Next, the editor analyzes the Porter scene and other portions of the play that have raised the question of its authorship. A discussion of the play's sources precedes Muir's edition of the play itself. The book includes four appendices: "Holinshed," "Bucganan," "Leslie," and additional notes from the 1984 reissue of this text. A list of abbreviations used also appears.
The Arden Shakespeare has developed a reputation as the pre-eminent critical edition of Shakespeare for its exceptional scholarship, reflected in the thoroughness of each volume. An introduction comprehensively contextualizes the play, chronicling the history and culture that surrounded and influenced Shakespeare at the time of its writing and performance, and closely surveying critical approaches to the work. Detailed appendices address problems like dating and casting, and analyze the differing Quarto and Folio sources. A full commentary by one or more of the plays foremost contemporary scholars illuminates the text, glossing unfamiliar terms and drawing from an abundance of research and expertise to explain allusions and significant background information. Highly informative and accessible, Arden offers the fullest experience of Shakespeare available to a reader.
Synopsis
The Arden Shakespeare has long been acclaimed as the established scholarly edition of Shakespeare's work. Now being totally reedited for the third time, Arden editions offer the very best in contemporary scholarship. Each volume provides a clear and authoritative text, edited to the highest standards; detailed textual notes and commentary on the same page of the text; full contextual, illustrated introduction, including an in-depth survey of critical and performance approaches to the play; and selected bibliography.
Synopsis
The Arden Shakespeare is the established edition of Shakespeare's work. Justly celebrated for its authoritative scholarship and invaluable commentary, Arden guides you a richer understanding and appreciation of Shakespeare's plays. This edition of Macbeth provides, a clear and authoritative text, detailed notes and commentary on the same page as the text, a full introduction discussing the critical and historical background to the play and appendices presenting sources and relevant extracts.