Routledge Green Shakespeare: From Ecopolitics to Ecocriticism (Accents on Shakespeare)

Ecocriticism, a theoretical movement examining cultural constructions of Nature in their social and political contexts, is making an increasingly important contribution to our understanding of Shakespeare’s plays. Gabriel Egan's Green Shakespeare presents: an overview of the concept of ecocriticism detailed ecocritical readings of Henry V, Macbeth, As You Like It, Antony & Cleopatra, King Lear, Coriolanus, Pericles, Cymbeline, The Winter’s Tale and The Tempest analysis of themes such as nature and human society; food and biological nature; the supernatural and the weather a bold argument for a contemporary ‘EcoShakespeare’, taking into account the environmental and political implications of globalization and intellectual property laws. Crossing the boundaries of literary and cultural studies to draw in politics, philosophy and ecology, this volume not only introduces one of the most lively areas of contemporary Shakespeare studies, but also puts forward a convincing case for Shakespeare’s continuing relevance to contemporary theory. Review 'Egan's enthusiasm for his subject is infectious ... this intriguing book offers more proof, if any where needed, of Shakespeare's continuing relevance to the 21st century.' – www.britishtheatreguide.info/ 'Egan's purpose is to read Shakespeare in an entirely new context. I hope he succeeds in his purpose and that his book will be widely read and its lessons understood.' – Renaissance Quarterly Review