Big-Time Shakespeare

Shakespeare has made the big time in the idiomatic sense of cultural success and widespread notoriety. Other literary figures may achieve canonical status within the academic community based on claims for artistic distinction, but Shakespeare is unusual in that he has also achieved contemporary celebrity. His aptitude for controversy constantly keeps his name in the public eye. Bristol discusses the supply side of cultural producation and argues that Shakepeare retains his authority, at least in part, because suppliers of cultural goods have been skilful at generating a social desire for products that bear his trademark and in creating merchandise to satisfy that desire. This book suggests that his plays represent the pathos of our civilization with extraordinary force and clarity. His characters remain interesting because we recognize what they are going through. Shakespeare's contradictory understanding of the social and cultural past is also examined through readings of "The Winter's Tale", "Othello" and "Hamlet". Bristol attempts to bridge the gap between conservative demands for unreflective affirmation of the ideals and achievements of Western civilisation.

'A timely and important book.' - Times Higher Education Supplement"sharp and funny...takes readers on an intellectually thrilling ride...If readers can recognise Bristol's gift, they'll receive cultural philosophy and criticism at its best...Not all critics reach this big-time understanding. In this, Bristol...not only follows Shakespeare, he succeeds him." - The Times Literary Supplement' ... lively study ...' - The Observer