The Preface to the volume is a wretchedly written rationalization for the aims of the project and the editorial choices made within. It's as if David Norbrook wants to please everybody who's somebody in this volume, resulting in a dilution of the talent. You get the idea. Luckily, once you escape the Preface and enter the introduction proper, the ground is firmer. The discussion of political and rhetorical concerns are particularly interesting.
New Historicism can be a powerful analytical tool, when used with discretion.
The tonal and thematic range of verse included here is staggering and leaves one dumbfounded at the enormity of what the Renaissance gave us. I suppose that's not a very fashionable thing to talk about in an age dominanted by sociological discourse, and nobody wants the academic finger wagged at them for taking the approach of the generalist.