Shakespeare: Hamlet (Landmarks of World Literature) [Paperback]

Paul A. Cantor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 28, 1989 | ISBN-10: 0521349834 | ISBN-13: 978-0521349833

Paul Cantor provides a new and clearly structured introduction to Shakespeare's most famous tragedy. Hamlet's status as tragic hero and the central enigma of the delayed revenge are seen in the light of the play's historical place in the Renaissance at the crossroads of the Christian and the classical traditions. The dramatic and poetic techniques used in the play are discussed, and a final chapter deals with the uniquely varied reception of Hamlet on the stage and in literature generally, from the seventeenth century to the present day.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Paul Cantor's Hamlet volume, part of the Cambridge Landmarks of World Literature series, provides a compelling interpretation that does not, as so many other readings, simply repeat the critical conundrums of the play and its prince. Cantor confronts the play's problems directly, defining them within the contexts of literary and cultural history...The book is intended primarily as a general introduction, but more experienced readers will find much to learn from Cantor's incisive formulations about Hamlet, its period, and dramatic tragedy." Virginia Quarterly Review

Book Description

In this useful guide, Paul Cantor provides a clearly structured introduction to Shakespeare's most famous tragedy. Cantor examines Hamlet's status as tragic hero and the central enigma of the delayed revenge in the light of the play's Renaissance context. He offers students a lucid discussion of the dramatic and poetic techniques used in the play. In the final chapter he deals with the uniquely varied reception of Hamlet on the stage and in literature generally from the seventeenth century to the present day. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (July 28, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521349834
• ISBN-13: 978-0521349833
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,138,817 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An intriguing introductory work, July 30, 2000

By 

"mrallen" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shakespeare: Hamlet (Landmarks of World Literature) (Paperback)

This is an outstanding book/monograph on that famously puzzling play of Shakespeare. Best of all is that this introduction to Hamlet includes--however briefly--astute comparisons between dialogue in William Shakespeare's Hamlet and in Samuel Beckett's work in general. That is bound to encourage the student or general reader to make some comparative investigations of his own. And that isn't the only time Cantor makes such an intriguing, sound observation. Shakespeare has a good steward here.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hamlet in a Renaissance context, April 28, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Shakespeare: Hamlet (Landmarks of World Literature) (Paperback)

This is a great introduction to the play within a Reniassance context. The author does an admirable job in reconstructing the historical and literary contexts surrounding Hamlet. For example, the conflict which the play embodies between classical ideals of heroism and Christian skepticism is well-developed. Overall, this is the best place to begin any study of Hamlet, and it may be all you'll need. The language is clear and concise, in contrast to the pompous jargon-laden prose of so many "post-modern'" critics. Well-written, well-argued, well-informed: one of the best works available on this quintessential Renaissance play.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great, July 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Shakespeare: Hamlet (Landmarks of World Literature) (Paperback)

This is the best boook on Hamlet available. No brief post can do it justice. If you are a student of Hamlet, get this book.