Stephen Greenblatt Books

Presents Shakespeare's complete works accompanied by timelines, genealogies, and selected archival documents

An anthology introducing the major authors and works of English literature from the Romantic period through the Victorian Age and the Twentieth Century.

Firmly grounded by the hallmark strengths of all Norton Anthologies - thorough and helpful introductory matter, judicious annotation, complete texts wherever possible - The Norton Anthology of English Literature has been revitalized in this Eighth Edition through the collaboration between six new editors and six seasoned ones. Under the direction of Stephen Greenblatt, General Editor, the editors have reconsidered all aspects of the anthology to make it an even better teaching tool.

World-renowned Shakespeare scholar Stephen Greenblatt explores the playwright’s insight into bad (and often mad) rulers. As an aging, tenacious Elizabeth I clung to power, a talented playwright probed the social causes, the psychological roots, and the twisted consequences of tyranny. In exploring the psyche (and psychoses) of the likes of Richard III, Macbeth, Lear, Coriolanus, and the societies they rule over, Stephen Greenblatt illuminates the ways in which William Shakespeare delved into the lust for absolute power and the catastrophic consequences of its execution. Cherished institutions seem fragile, political classes are in disarray, economic misery fuels populist anger, people knowingly accept being lied to, partisan rancor dominates, spectacular indecency rules—these aspects of a society in crisis fascinated Shakespeare and shaped some of his most memorable plays. With uncanny insight, he shone a spotlight on the infantile psychology and unquenchable narcissistic appetites of demagogues—and the cynicism and opportunism of the various enablers and hangers-on who surround them—and imagined how they might be stopped. As Greenblatt shows, Shakespeare’s work, in this as in so many other ways, remains vitally relevant today.

The most trusted anthology for complete works and helpful editorial apparatus. The Tenth Edition supports survey and period courses with NEW complete major works, NEW contemporary writers, and dynamic and easy-to-access digital resources. NEW video modules help introduce students to literature in multiple exciting ways. These innovations make the Norton an even better teaching tool for instructors and, as ever, an unmatched value for students.

Poor boy. Dark star. Spy. Transgressor. Genius. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author reveals the daring life of Christopher Marlowe, Shakespeare's contemporary and rival. In repressive Elizabethan England, artists face conformity; foreigners are viewed with suspicion, and entertainment is often crude. Amid this backdrop emerges an ambitious cobbler's son from Canterbury, gifted with an extraordinary ear for Latin poetry. For Marlowe, this talent becomes a gateway to beauty, visionary imagination, and transgressive desire. His discoveries lead to a remarkable explosion of English literature and culture, paving the way for Shakespeare's success. With engaging narrative and insightful literary criticism, the author reconstructs Marlowe's involvement with the queen's spy service, which profoundly influenced his brief and tumultuous life, resulting in masterpieces like Tamburlaine and Faustus, which explore the nature of power and its consequences. The author also delves into the people Marlowe encountered and the transformations they initiated, which contributed to the emergence of modern economic, scientific, and cultural power—echoing the Faustian bargains we still confront today.

The most-trusted and best-selling anthology continues to set the bar with a vibrant revision of the Major Authors Edition. Major Authors offers new complete major works, new contemporary writers, and new dynamic and convenient digital resources. Now the Norton is an even better teaching tool and, as ever, an unmatched value for students.

The most trusted anthology for complete works and helpful editorial apparatus. The Tenth Edition supports survey and period courses with NEW complete major works, NEW contemporary writers, and dynamic and easy-to-access digital resources. NEW video modules help introduce students to literature in multiple exciting ways. These innovations make the Norton an even better teaching tool for instructors and, as ever, an unmatched value for students.

Firmly grounded by the hallmark strengths of all Norton Anthologies—thorough and helpful introductory matter, judicious annotation, complete texts wherever possible—The Norton Anthology of English Literature has been revitalized in this Eighth Edition through the collaboration between six new editors and six seasoned ones. Under the direction of Stephen Greenblatt, General Editor, the editors have reconsidered all aspects of the anthology to make it an even better teaching tool.

The most-trusted and best-selling anthology continues to set the bar with a vibrant revision of the Major Authors Edition. Major Authors offers new complete major works, new contemporary writers, and new dynamic and convenient digital resources. Now the Norton is an even better teaching tool and, as ever, an unmatched value for students.