Discusses changing interpretations of Shakespeare and his plays, and explains how he became regarded as the English language's finest writer Like Louis Marder in His Exits and His Entrances (1963), Taylor examines Shakespeare's rise from a half-forgotten playwright to the brightest jewel in the crown of English literature. What distinguishes Taylor's effort, however, is his equal emphasis on political, social, and historical events as well as events in the literary and theatrical world. Taylor ably illustrates how such disparate elements encouraged the series of happy accidents that allowed Shakespeare's reputation to flourish. Taylor's irreverent, tongue-in-cheek style may prevent his book from being taken as serious scholarship; this would be a mistake, as it is a delightful, illuminating read. Highly recommended for both public and academic libraries. - James Stephenson, The Soc . of the Cincinnati Lib., Washington, D.C. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.