Documents of Shakespeare’s England

This engaging collection of over 60 primary document selections sheds light on the personalities, issues, events, and ideas that defined and shaped life in England during the years of Shakespeare’s life and career.

Documents of Shakespeare’s England contains more than 60 primary document selections that will help readers understand all aspects of life in Elizabethan and Jacobean England. The book is divided into 12 topical sections, such as Politics and Parliament, London Life, and Queen and Court, which offer five document selections each. Each document is preceded by a detailed introduction that puts the selection into historical context and explains why it is important.

A general introduction and chronology help readers understand Shakespeare’s England in broad terms and see connections, causes, and consequences. Bibliographies of current and useful print and electronic information resources accompany each document, and a general bibliography lists seminal works on Shakespeare’s England. This is an engaging and accurate introduction to the England of William Shakespeare told in the words of those who experienced it.

John A. Wagner, PhD, has taught classes in British and American history at Arizona State University and Phoenix College.