The Oxford Companion to Shakespeare (Oxford Companions)
Companions to Shakespeare are ubiquitous, coming bound with  various editions of the plays, in A-to-Z companions, and in many  other manifestations. The Oxford Companion enters into this  crowded field with both rigor and authority. Following in the  very large footsteps of The Oxford Shakespeare (2001), this  companion has the same formatting (from text lines to play names  and character spellings) and is of the same stellar quality.  Comprising more than 3000 entries, it covers topics such as  Shakespeare's biography, legend, works, literary features and  terms, individuals (both real and fictional), and a host of  topics such as Elizabethan and Jacobean literature and theater,  which help put in context both the times and the works. Of  particular note are the entries on each play, which include  scene-by-scene explanations as well as examinations of the  play's particular artistic features, critical history, and stage  and screen history, and a listing of recent editions and  selected criticism. There is enough in each play summary to aid  students from middle school to college. The attention paid to  the poetic work of Shakespeare is also noteworthy. From "Venus  and Adonis," "The Rape of Lucrece," and "Lover's Complaint"  right through to a general section on the sonnets, the treatment  is as in-depth and as helpful as that of the plays. Enlivened by  photos and illustrations and an excellent map keyed to the  history plays, this work is highly recommend for all  libraries. Neal Wyatt, Chesterfield Cty. P.L., VACopyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.