Looking for Sex in Shakespeare [Paperback]

Considers how far sexual meaning in Shakespeare's writing is a matter of interpretation by actors, directors and criticsStanley Wells is one of the best-known and most versatile of Shakespeare scholars. His new book considers how far sexual meaning in Shakespeare's writing is a matter of interpretation by actors, directors and critics. Tracing interpretations of Shakespearian bawdy and innuendo from the eighteenth-century to the present, Wells pays special attention to interpretations of A Midsummer Night's Dream, to the Sonnets and to homosexual relationships in the plays. His lively, provocative, and open-minded new book will appeal to a broad readership of students, theatregoers and Shakespeare lovers.Stanley Wells is one of the best-known and most versatile of Shakespeare scholars. His new book considers how far sexual meaning in Shakespeare's writing is a matter of interpretation by actors, directors and critics. Tracing interpretations of Shakespearian bawdy and innuendo from the eighteenth-century to the present, Wells pays special attention to interpretations of A Midsummer Night's Dream, to the Sonnets and to homosexual relationships in the plays. His lively, provocative, and open-minded new book will appeal to a broad readership of students, theatregoers and Shakespeare lovers.One of the best-known and most versatile of Shakespearian scholars considers the extent to which sexual meaning in Shakespeare's writing relies on interpretation by actors, directors and critics. Tracing interpretations of Shakespearian bawdy and innuendo from the eighteenth-century to the present, Stanley Wells pays special attention to interpretations of A Midsummer Night's Dream, the Sonnets and homosexual relationships in the plays.Foreword Patrick Spottiswoode; Preface; Introduction; 1. Lewd Interpreters; 2. The originality of Shakespeare's Sonnets; 3. 'I Think he Loves the World only for him': Men loving Men in Shakespeare's plays. Looking for Sex in Shakespeare is a ril3&