The Essential Shakespeare

John Dover Wilson (1881–1969) was a renowned scholar of Renaissance drama, particularly known for his work on Shakespeare. Originally published in 1932, this book, in accordance with its subtitle, takes the form of an interpretative 'adventure' through Shakespeare's life. In the absence of biographical detail, Wilson provides us with a personal perspective that is nevertheless rigorously faithful to the known facts regarding the life, the plays and the surrounding historical context. More broadly, the text is also concerned with the question of how a poetic or creative talent is manifested and nurtured. This concise and highly readable volume will be invaluable for anyone with an interest in Shakespeare, literary criticism, or the history of English literature.