Shakespeare, Sex & Love, by Stanley Wells

So must pure lovers’ souls descend …

How does Shakespeare's treatment of human sexuality relate to the sexual conventions and language of his times?

Looking at both plays and poetry, this lively and informative book explores Shakespeare's portrayal of desire, jealousy, and same-gender relationships, as well as how sex becomes a source of humour in his comedies. How does Shakespeare's treatment of human sexuality relate to the sexual conventions and language of his times?

Pre-eminent Shakespearean critic Stanley Wells draws on historical and anecdotal sources to present an illuminating account of sexual behaviour in Shakespeare's time, particularly in Stratford-upon-Avon and London. He demonstrates what we know or can deduce of the sex lives of Shakespeare and members of his family. He also provides a fascinating account of depictions of sexuality in the poetry of the period and suggests that at the time Shakespeare was writing most of his non-dramatic verse a group of poets catered especially for readers with homoerotic tastes.

Stanley Wells, described by Roy Hattersley as 'our greatest authority on Shakespeare's life and work', is Chairman of the Trustees of Shakespeare's Birthplace, Emeritus Professor of Shakespeare Studies of the University of Birmingham, and Honorary Emeritus Governor of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Professor Wells has an extensive record of publications, mostly concerned with Shakespeare and his contemporaries. He was for nearly twenty years the editor of the annual Shakespeare Survey, and writes for the TLS and many other publications, including The Oxford Shakespeare.

For author interview/review copy/author article – contact – coleen.hatrick@oup.com Tel: 01865 353240

9780199578597, 8 April (PR for 23 April 2010) Ł16.99 Shakespeare, Sex and Love, by Stanley Wells,