Shakespeare, Aphra Behn and the Canon

"Shakespeare, Aphra Behn and the Canon is an accessible introduction to the idea of the literary canon and the complex process by which certain authors and works are accorded a high cultural status. Written expressly for those with no previous knowledge of Shakespeare or Behn, the contributors focus on three of Shakespeare's most widely-studied plays, Henry V, Othello and As You Like It. As a contrast, Aphra Behn's restoration comedy The Rover is studied as an example of a play which was highly popular in its own time, but, in later times, neglected from the canon. Shakespeare, Aphra Behn and the Canon places both authors in historical context and offers passages of text and criticism in each chapter followed by detailed discussion."--Publisher's description.