Drawing on recent advances in historical knowledge, the author describes contemporary attitudes toward issues such as rebellion, conscience, regicide, incest, retribution, and mourning. His investigation reveals a number of convincing new reasons for viewing Hamlet not as an irresolute young man but as a vigorous and determined figure in confrontation with the moral dilemmas of his age. By understanding the play in its original terms, we find that it takes on new depth and power for our own time. Originally published in 1984. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These paperback editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Product Description: A major interpretative account of Shakespeare's play, this is a close scrutiny which will engage readers directly with the text and perfomance of the work. The Renaissance code of honor is seen to be of central importance to the character of the hero, his actions, and to the play as a whole; and, viewed in this light, there is fresh revelation of the character of Hamlet himslef and of the dramatic world of which he is a part...read more

Provides the full court transcript of the evening, in 1994, when a panel of three judges and The Association of the Bar of the City of New York heard an appeal in regard to Hamlet, the late Prince of Denmark and famous Shakespearean character.