René Weis Book order (chronological)

This major new edition of Shakespeare's greatest tragedy of love argues that the play is ultimately Juliet's. It's richly illustrated introduction looks at the play's exceptionally beautiful and complex language and focuses on the figure of Juliet as being at its center. Rene Weis also discusses the play's critical, stage, and film history, including West Side Story and Baz Lurhmann's seminal film adaptation. This authoritative edition from a leading scholar gives the reader a penetrating and wide-ranging insight into this ever-popular play. Like every Arden edition, it includes expertly edited play text and on-page commentary notes discussing issues of staging, theme, meaning, and Shakespeare's use of his sources to give the reader deep and engaging insights into the play.

"In the thirteenth century, a group of heretics in south-west France, the Cathars, became a serious threat to the Catholic church. Their fervently held dualistic beliefs were an anathema to the established religious order. In several waves of brutal repression, thousands of Cathars were killed, with many being burnt at the stake. Yet so ardent was their faith that, early in the fourteenth century, in a groundswell centred around the small Occitan village of Montaillou, the Cathars rose one final time." "Using the detailed documentation from this period, and drawing on his intimate knowledge of the last Cathars' tracks and hiding-places, many of which survive to this day, Rene Weis tells the full story of this gripping historical episode. He narrates a medieval tale of faith, adventure, sex and courage which is true in every detail."--Jacket