Romeo and Juliet: Texts and Contexts (Bedford Shakespeare)

“Romeo and Juliet: Texts and Contexts” by William Shakespeare, published by Bedford/St. Martin’s on April 28, 2003, is a comprehensive edition of the classic play. This 496-page volume features the Bevington edition of “Romeo and Juliet” alongside a rich collection of primary documents that provide context for the themes explored in the play. The book delves into the social relationships among men during Shakespeare’s era, as well as contemporary views on love, family dynamics in Elizabethan society, and various beliefs surrounding astrology, medicine, and death.

Readers will find that this edition not only presents the text of “Romeo and Juliet” but also enhances their understanding of the work through its extensive contextual materials. The inclusion of primary documents allows for a deeper exploration of the cultural and social frameworks that influenced Shakespeare’s writing. This edition serves as a valuable resource for those interested in British and Irish drama, particularly the works of Shakespeare, and offers insights into the themes that continue to resonate in modern discussions of love and societal norms.