Table of Contents

List of illustrations General editors' preface Introduction: - The relationship of this volume to the Arden Hamlet - Policy on commentary notes, textual notes and references - Retention of F readings - Retention of Q1 readings - Policy on Q1 metre and lineation - Policy on punctuation - Summary of our position on the three texts - Stage history of the First Quarto - Checklist of Q1 productions THE TRAGICAL HISTORY OF HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK The First Quarto (1603) THE TRAGICAL HISTORY OF HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK The First Folio (1623) Abbreviations and references Index

About the Author

William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English dramatist, poet, and actor, generally regarded as the greatest playwright of all time. ANN THOMPSON is Emeritus Professor in English at King' s College London UK. Neil Taylor is Professor Emeritus at Roehampton University, UK

Reviews

Hamlet...has been given a rebirth of sorts by editors Ann Thompson and Neil Taylor...puts the final pieces of the "puzzle of Hamlet" into place by publishing...updated versions of both the First Quarto and First Folio editions of the play. This wonderful ternion gives the serious students of Hamlet everything they need to delve deeply into the Dane. The textual annotations are extensive and worth the price of the book alone. None of the material is duplicated from the Hamlet: Arden Third Series, so this is all new commentary from two of the brightest minds in the world of Shakespeare... Delivers the quality you've come to expect from Arden.
*PlayShakespeare.com*

Fascinating, and every Shakespeare scholar will want to posses it ... Attuned to the relativism, pluralism, and skepticism of our time...remarkable thoroughness and intelligence. Their discussion of Hamlet on stage and screen and of its offshoots in drama and fiction fills and notable gap ... An innnovative and stimulating contribution.
*Shakespeare Quarterly*

Prof. Thompson has done remarkable work in providing a glimpse into two variants of Shakespeare's classic play. By compiling these other, either earlier or mistakenly- printed, versions, she has provided us with crucial scholarly insights into the editing and printing processes. This book is an important supplemental volume to Thompson's other Arden Hamlet; this rare opportunity for Arden to publish other manuscripts is beneficial to those looking to delve into the above-mentioned areas of the play's conception, but also highlights the play's importance to the dramatic historical tradition.
*Jarrod DePrado, Sacred Heart University, USA*

A great addition to the Second Quarto Hamlet. Especially when discussing adaptations and directoral choices.
*Maria Fleischhack, Leipzig University, Germany*