This engaging collection of over 60 primary document selections sheds light on the personalities, issues, events, and ideas that defined and shaped life in England during the years of Shakespeare's life and career.

• Offers readers an understanding of the social, political, religious, economic, and cultural dimensions of England during the years in which William Shakespeare lived and worked

• Includes more than 60 important and engaging primary document selections

• Provides a detailed Chronology and a useful general bibliography as well as bibliographies specific to individual documents

• Features a detailed general Introduction putting the broad topic of Shakespeare's England into context as well as introductions specific to each document selection, putting that selection into context

• Focuses on the period that many modern Shakespearean and Elizabethan movies (e.g., Mary, Queen of Scots), plays, and television series (e.g., Reign) depict