This biography provides the historical background to all the Shakespeare plays and sets his life in the context of his times.

'This brief account works wonders at elucidating Shakespeare's astounding oeuvre. The 'dire combustion and confused events' in Macbeth are a clear reference to the gunpowder plot, uncovered while it was written.' The Independent

JEREMY LEMMON has lectured at the University of Colorado and the Institute of Renaissance Studies in Oregon. He has written articles and reviews for The Times Literary Supplement, Theatre Notebook and On-Stage Studies. He edited Macbeth in collaboration with Ronald Watkins for Oxford University Press and wrote four books in the In Shakespeare's Playhouse series for David & Charles. He was also a member of the Committee of Scholars and Practitioners which advised on the design of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre on Bankside.