Caroline Spurgeon's pioneer study of the imagery of Shakespeare's plays shows how much light can be thrown on Shakespeare's own mind and thought and on the themes and characters of the plays by a detailed examination of his imagery. At the same time she contrasts Shakespeare with other dramatists of his time, including Marlowe, Bacon, Ben Jonson and Dekker.

‘Something quite new in criticism, illuminating the operations of Shakespeare’s mind and the principles of his art as they have never been illuminated before. No student of Shakespeare or of the workings of imagination can afford to miss this entrancing book.’

Edwin Muir Source: The Scotsman

‘A monumental work without a single dull page.’

George Rylands Source: The New Statesman

‘The most significant book on Shakespeare published since Bradley’s Shakespearean Tragedy.’

H. B. Charlton Source: Manchester Guardian