A clear introduction to the idea of the canon, exploring the process by which certain works, and not others, receive high cultural status. The work of Shakespeare and Aphra Behn is used to illustrate and challenge this process.

Lizbeth Goodman, W.R. Owens

Preface. Part One. 1. The Idea of the Canon Lizbeth Goodman 2. Shakespeare: Theatre Poet W.R. Owens 3. An English History Play: Reading and Studying Henry V Simon Eliot 4. Reading Othello Roger Day 5. Remaking the Canon: Aphra Behn's The Rover W.R. Owens, with a section by Lizbeth Goodman 6. Reading As You Like It Kate Clarke with a section by Lizbeth Goodman 7. Reviewing the Idea of the Canon Lizbeth Goodman Part Two. Aphra Behn, The Rover Edited by W.R. Owens. Notes to The Rover. Bibliography. Index.