This stimulating study takes a fresh look at Browning's poetry and at some of the key themes that run through his work. Part I uses carefully selected extracts for close textual analysis, while Part II examines Browning's life, contexts and a sample of criticism. Using some of Browning's most widely studied poems, this book will develop students' close reading technique and help them to articulate their own responses to poetry. The volume is an ideal introductory guide for A Level and undergraduate English Literature students, or anyone studying Browning's poems for the first time.

The History plays established Shakespeare's reputation as an enormously popular and dramatic storyteller, demonstrating his skill in drawing such astonishing characters as Richard III and Sir John Falstaff. Featuring detailed analyses of extracts, John Blades guides the student through four of Shakespeare's most compelling Histories. Part I of this stimulating study: - Provides clear and engaging close readings of passages from Richard II, Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, and Richard III - Examines major themes, characters, language and Shakespeare's dramatic techniques - Offers suggestions for further work and summarizes the methods of analysis Part II supplies essential background material, including: - A detailed survey of Shakespeare's literary and historical contexts - Samples of criticism from leading scholars With a helpful Glossary and Further Reading section, this lucid study is ideal for anyone who wishes to appreciate and explore the remarkable writing of Shakespeare's History plays for themselves.