Hamlet

'Jonathan Bate is a passionate advocate of Shakespeare and his introductions are full of striking and convincing observations ... footnotes at the bottom of each page gloss unfamiliar items of vocabulary, paraphrase tricky meanings and uncover bawdy puns. There is a universe to be found in these annotations: the Renaissance world of power and fate, sex and death, language and philosophy.' - Times Educational Supplement

The first edition of Shakespeare's most famous tragedy to be developed by and for the Royal Shakespeare Company, this book includes unique material to help the reader understand and enjoy the play, including interviews with directors Michael Boyd, John Caird and Ron Daniels and a brand new introduction from award-winning scholar Jonathan Bate.

From the Royal Shakespeare Company – a modern, definitive edition of Shakespeare’s most celebrated play. With an expert introduction by Sir Jonathan Bate, this unique edition presents a historical overview of Hamlet in performance, takes a detailed look at specific productions, and recommends film versions. Included in this edition are interviews with three leading directors –Michael Boyd, John Caird and Ron Daniels – providing an illuminating insight into the extraordinary variety of interpretations that are possible. This edition also includes an essay on Shakespeare’s career and Elizabethan theatre, and enables the reader to understand the play as it was originally intended – as living theatre to be enjoyed and performed.

Ideal for students, theatre-goers, actors and general readers, the RSC Shakespeare editions offer a fresh, accessible and contemporary approach to reading and rediscovering Shakespeare’s works for the twenty-first century.