Unlike other introductions to literary theory this distinctive book offers asustained discussion of a specific period of English literature. Avoiding thedanger ... » 

Unlike other introductions to literary theory this distinctive book offers asustained discussion of a specific period of English literature. Avoiding thedanger of employing theories as templates the author uses Renaissance dramaand contemporary theory to question and illuminate each other. It provides acomprehensive account of key modern literary theories and presents detailedapplications of them to a wide range of Renaissance plays. It also offers a newway of thinking about the relationship of modern literary theory to its mainpredecessor humanism. Finally it writes a history which Renaissance dramaand modern theory are seen as sharing of the antagonisms and attemptedreconciliations between signs and psyche objects and subjects history andself and language and the human. «