Critically acclaimed as one of Shakespeare's most complex and intriguing plays, Twelfth Night is a classic romantic comedy of mistaken identities. In recent years it has returned to the centre of critical debate surrounding gender and sexuality. The Introduction explores the multiple factors that make up the play's rich textual, theatrical, critical and cultural history. Keir Elam surveys the play's production and reception, emphasising the role of the spectator both within the comedy and the playhouse. “Brings together into one volume a wealth of textual, bibliographical, and critical scholarship...emplifies scholarly achievement...” ― Shakespeare Quarterly (2009) “'The editorial goals of the Arden project are ably met in this edition. Elam's...astounding knowledge of elements of performance make this edition a must-read...A wealth of textual, bibliographical, and critical scholarship; a variety of background materials; helpful images and charts; and information and analysis concerning stage and film performances. The introduction exemplifies scholarly achievement...Magisterial footnotes.” ― Shakespeare Quarterly William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English dramatist, poet, and actor, generally regarded as the greatest playwright of all time. Keir Elam is Professor of English Literature at the University of Bologna, where he is resident member of the Institute for Advanced Studies and evaluator for the Humanities in the University Research Observatory (Osservatorio della Ricerca). Professor Richard Proudfoot served as Senior General Editor of the Arden Shakespeare for 35 years, until his retirement from King's in 1999. In 2001 The Arden Shakespeare published Proudfoot's Shakespeare: Text, Stage and Canon a critical overview of the scholarly achievements made in the field of Shakespeare studies by the end of the twentieth century. ANN THOMPSON is Emeritus Professor in English at King' s College London UK. David Scott Kastan is the George M. Bodman Professor of English at Yale University, USA. Used Book in Good Condition