Shakespeare's Problem Plays: All's Well, Measure for Measure, Troilus

In this review of Shakespeare's Problem Plays, the reviewer finds a compact, academically minded casebook suitable for readers seeking critical variety and context. The collection, curated by Simon Barker, brings together contemporary essays that illuminate why these three plays remain controversial and intellectually rich; the single biggest reason to buy is its clear introduction and editorial guidance that help non-specialist readers navigate complex critical debates. This is a review that emphasizes usefulness in study and teaching rather than a casual reading experience.

Key Features

• Wide-ranging critical selection: The book gathers contemporary essays that reflect late twentieth-century theory and provide multiple perspectives on each play.
• Helpful introduction: The editor's introduction guides readers through critical approaches, terms and debates, making the material more accessible.
• Explanatory notes: Notes for each essay clarify references and jargon, aiding comprehension for students and general readers.
• Focus on staging and theatre history: Several essays address performance and production issues, which is useful for theatre practitioners and students.
• Further reading section: A curated bibliography points readers to additional scholarship to deepen study beyond the essays included.

Who It's For

The volume suits undergraduates, graduate students and instructors looking for a compact compilation of influential critical views on All's Well That Ends Well, Measure for Measure and Troilus and Cressida; its editorial framing is particularly helpful for seminar preparation and course reading lists. It also works well for independent readers who want a guided entry into scholarly debates without trawling multiple monographs.

Readers seeking a full annotated text or a performance script should look elsewhere, as this is a casebook of criticism and introduction rather than a modern annotated edition of the plays. Those who want exhaustive archival materials or the most recent journal articles beyond late twentieth-century theory may find the scope limited.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Concise editorial framing helps readers understand differing critical approaches across the three plays.
• Essays foreground staging and theatre history, offering practical insight for production studies.
• Explanatory notes and further reading make the casebook a practical study resource.

Cons

• The focus on late twentieth-century theory means some recent scholarship and perspectives are not covered.

Specifications

Title	Shakespeare's Problem Plays: All's Well That Ends Well, Measure for Measure, Troilus and Cressida
Editor	Simon Barker
Series	New Casebooks
Content focus	Contemporary critical readings and essays on three problem plays
Includes	Introduction, explanatory notes for essays, further reading section
Scholarly emphasis	Late twentieth-century theory, staging and theatre history

Our Verdict

This casebook is a practical, well-edited collection for students and teachers who need a guided survey of critical debate on Shakespeare's problem plays; it offers strong editorial support and useful notes that make it good value for classroom use despite not covering the most recent scholarship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this volume include the full texts of the plays?
The book focuses on critical essays and editorial introduction rather than providing full annotated play texts.

Who edited the casebook?
The collection is edited and introduced by Simon Barker, who frames the essays and provides explanatory notes.

Is the book suitable for performance study?
Yes; several essays address staging and theatre history, making it useful for theatre students and practitioners.