Arden Shakespeare and Theory provides a comprehensive analysis of the
theoretical developments that have dominated Shakespeare studies in recent
years, as well as those that are emerging at the present moment. Each
volume provides:
a clear definition of a particular theory;
a survey of its major theorists and critics;
an analysis of its significance in Shakespeare studies;
a summary of relevant political, social, and economic contexts;
a wealth of suggested resources for further investigation.
Combining close attention to Shakespearean texts and the conditions of
their production with an explicit left-wing political affiliation, cultural
materialism offers readers a radical avenue through which to engage with
Shakespeare and his world. Shakespeare and Cultural Materialist Theory
charts the inception and development of this theory, setting out its central
tenets and analysing the work of key thinkers such as Alan Sinfield, Jonathan
Dollimore, Raymond Williams and Ania Loomba.