Shakespeare's Universality: Here's Fine Revolution

by Kiernan Ryan

Through close readings of a wide range of plays and poems, Kiernan Ryan's compelling polemic sets out to reclaim the idea of Shakespeare's timeless universality from reactionary and radical critics alike. Its argument is driven throughout by the belief that at this moment in history the need to recognise and activate the revolutionary potential of Shakespeare's drama is more urgent than ever.The volume has been shortlisted for the European Society for the Study of English 2016 Prize for the best critical study in the field of Literatures in the English Language.

Genres: Shakespeare, Nonfiction

158 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2015

Reviews

[Troy Zaher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryan reframes the idea of Shakespeare’s universality and timelessness in a refreshing and compelling way. This book really helped bring together my Master’s thesis, and was a necessary component to it. I think the idea needs some expansion, and doesn’t answer the question clearly how these ideas are easily glossed over as Shakespeare is widely criticized (ie if this is true, how do we explain readings that appear as tho Shakespeare is reinforcing the values of his time? Ryan uses Shylock’s “Hath not a Jews’ eyes?” without seeming to consider the alternatives presented within the pay).

[Robert Lamb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review for paperback, not Kindle.
I loved Ryan's book on the tragedies, finding this book hard going, will revisit and update my thoughts in due course.