Designed and written for students, this four-volume set introduces the genres and major works that constitute Shakespeare's formidable canon. Whether readers are beginning with one of the tragedies, a history play, a comedy, or the poems, they will find a full volume devoted to each genre, with thorough analysis of the major works within. The set contains 77 essays, all written by experts, thus offering a guide to the perplexed. Each analytical essay is written with expertise and insight to guide the reader through the poem or play and to foster the full appreciation of both the content and context of the work. Full discussion is given to plot synopsis, character and thematic development, and historical context. In addition, the key passages, which are often the most pivotal yet challenging for readers, are explicated with detailed discussions. The organizational approach of this resource will help readers fully appreciate not only relationships between characters within plays but also between plays. Teachers will value this approach in encouraging students to compare and contrast and develop critical thinking. Additional resources are given for research and classroom assignments, and the first volume includes overview essays on major topics related to Shakespeare and his world: the Elizabethan age, his life, the theater of the era, his texts, and his language. Designed and written to meet the needs of students, this 4-volume set clearly and thoughtfully introduces the genres and major works that constitute Shakespeare's formidable canon. Each volume is devoted to a particular genre: "Volume I: Overviews and the History PlayS"; "Volume II: The ComedieS"; "Volume III: The TragedieS"; "Volume IV: The Romances and Poetry." Within each volume are essays on particular works. These essays provide plot summaries, analyses of themes and characters, and discussions of historical contexts. In addition, the essays offer detailed explications of key passages, thus illuminating Shakespeare's most critical yet challenging material. The organization of this companion underscores the relationships among characters and plays and encourages students to engage in comparative studies and critical thinking. Additional resources are given for research and classroom assignments, and the first volume includes essays on broad topics related to Shakespeare and his milieu. "Volume I: Overviews and the History PlayS" This volume begins with essays on a number of broad topics related to Shakespeare and his world, including his era, his text, the theater, his life, and his language. Shakespeare's history plays brilliantly expose the motivations of great kings and offer timeless political commentary. But because his material is unfamiliar to students, the histories are among his most challenging works. The essays in this volume treat such demanding plays as: "Henry VI, Parts I, II, and III"; "Henry IV, Parts I and II"; "Richard III"; And others. "Volume II: The ComedieS" Among the most enjoyed and performed plays in the world, Shakespeare's comedies capture the spirit of his age and offer students a wealth of information about his era. This volume gives attention to such widely read plays as: "A Midsummer Night's Dream"; "As You Like It"; "The Merry Wives of Windsor"; "The Taming of the Shrew"; And others. "Volume III: The TragedieS" Shakespeare's tragedies are among the most sublime and influential works ever written. But because of the themes and issues they address, they are also among the most difficult. Included in this volume are extended analytical essays on such masterpieces as: "Hamlet"; "King Lear"; "Macbeth"; "Othello"; And others. "Volume IV: The Romances and Poetry" The Romances reveal Shakespeare's boundless imagination and creativity. Discussed in this volume are such plays as: "The Winter's Tale"; "The Tempest"; And others. And though best known today as the world's greatest playwright, Shakespeare wrote a number of poems that would have easily secured his literary reputation. While his language has unsurpassed beauty, it also poses problems for modern readers. This volume explores the sonnets in a lengthy essay and individually profiles 33 of the most studied ones. It also separately covers such major poetic achievements as: "A Lover's Complaint"; "The Rape of Lucrece"; "Venus and AdoniS"; "The Phoenix and the Turtle"; "The Passionate Pilgrim" In addition, an appendix provides a selected annotated listing of good Web sites offering resources on Shakespeare.