Shakespeare's plays and poems have provided audiences with some of the most accurate and enduring depictions of relationships, politics and the human condition. The rich language, multidimensional characters and sparkling poetry have had a profound influence on dramatists, philosophers and historians for centuries. Many of today's filmmakers and authors also draw inspiration from these timeless literary works. The Shakespeare Encyclopedia is the essential companion to the complete works of history's greatest storyteller. An introductory section examines Shakespeare's life and reveals why his works are so universally appealing. Subsequent parts examine every history, comedy, tragedy, poem and sonnet in the Shakespeare canon, explaining their htemes, contexts and literary and cultural significance. Each chapter is filled with colourful insight and contemporary analysis, and includes fact boxes, summaries, statistics and more. This lavishly illustrated book is ideal for fans, indispensable for students, and a perfect gift for anyone interested in Shakespeare's works. About the general editor Tony Cousins is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities. He has published eight books in England and America, including monographs on Shakespeare's non-dramatic verse and on religious verse of he 16th and 17th centuries.