Shakespeare: The Basics is a lively and accessible introduction to reading and studying Shakespeare. Exploring all aspects of Shakespeare's plays, Sean McEvoy considers the language, cultural contexts and modern interpretations.

This essential guide to a range of contemporary Shakespearean criticism explores and unpacks the different dramatic genres in which he wrote - comedy, history, tragedy and romance. It also provides a wealth of relevant and concise information on the historical, social and political contexts in which the plays were produced and have been understood. Extensively updated throughout, the fourth edition provides:

• A comprehensive account of Shakespearean tragedy for students
• An introduction to ecocritical, ethical and queer readings of the plays
• Analysis of notable recent Shakespeare films and productions
• Enhanced contextual material on race and empire, gender roles and the theatre in politics

With fully updated further reading throughout and a wide range of case studies and examples, Shakespeare: The Basics is an indispensable introduction for college and university students of literature and theatre, but also for anyone with an interest in the world's most influential dramatist.