Hamlet and the Scottish succession, being an examination of the relations of the play of Hamlet to the Scottish succession and the Essex conspiracy

by Lilian Winstanley

First published in 1921, this volume constitutes an attempt to view Hamlet in the light of contemporary history, pointing out possible links between the action of the play and the surrounding context of its creation. Given the lack of biographical material on Shakespeare and the consequent mystery surrounding his intentions, attention is focused on the relationship between the play and its potential audience. Through this approach an unusual thesis is developed, one in which the play is seen as casting a positive light on the Essex conspiracy and the future succession of James I. This is a fascinating and controversial study that will be of value to anyone with an interest in Shakespeare, Elizabethan and Jacobean history, or literary criticism.

188 pages, Unknown Binding

First published December 31, 1970

About the author

b. 1875
From Google Books:

Lilian Winstanley (1875–1960) was an eminent English literary scholar and critic with a particular interest in the works of the Russian author Leo Tolstoy. A true academic in her field, Winstanley was known for her insightful analysis of literary texts, rendering her an influential figure in early 20th-century literary studies. Winstanley's work grappled with the moral and philosophical underpinnings in Tolstoy's oeuvre, which she explored in her aptly named book, 'Tolstoy' (1920).