The Tamer Tamed; or, the Woman’s Prize

This edition of The Tamer Tamed; or, the Woman’s Prize offers a feminist perspective on Shakespeare's work, emphasizing its historical and literary significance.

This first edition is designed for both students and general readers, presenting a pro-woman response to Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, created during Shakespeare's lifetime. Co-edited by a feminist critic and a renowned textual scholar, this edition highlights the importance of The Tamer Tamed; or, the Woman’s Prize and argues for its reinstatement in the theatrical repertoire and literary canon. The book not only showcases the play's relevance but also its historical significance in relation to Shakespeare's work.

Written by playwright John Fletcher, who enjoyed considerable acclaim in the seventeenth century, The Tamer Tamed; or, the Woman’s Prize serves as a critical counterpoint to Shakespeare's original. This edition offers the most comprehensive commentary ever compiled for the play, helping modern readers appreciate Fletcher's vibrant language and his bold exploration of sexuality. The critical introduction delves into the Renaissance context, examining the play's historical and literary influences, including connections to Aristophanes's Lysistrata, while also discussing its subversive ties to both The Taming of the Shrew and Ben Jonson's The Silent Woman.

As an essential resource for anyone studying Shakespeare's works, The Tamer Tamed; or, the Woman’s Prize enriches ongoing discussions about gender, marriage, and the evolution of drama. It is a unique companion to the many textbook editions of Shakespeare's play, providing fresh insights and fostering a deeper understanding of the themes at play.