Books From University Presses

The full text of Schoenbaum's Documentary Life of the Bard incorporates new material and is accompanied by reproductions of fifty documents providing evidence of Shakespeare's activities

Marco Politi takes us deep inside the power struggle roiling the Roman Curia and the Catholic Church worldwide, beginning with Benedict XVI, the pope who famously resigned in 2013, and intensifying with the contested and unexpected election of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, archbishop of Buenos Aires, now known as Pope Francis. Politi's account balances the perspectives of Pope Francis's supporters, Benedict's sympathizers, and those disappointed members of the Catholic laity who feel alienated by the institution's secrecy, financial corruption, and refusal to modernize.Politi dramatically recounts the sexual scandals that have rocked the church and the accusations of money laundering and other financial misdeeds swirling around the Vatican and the Italian Catholic establishment. Pope Francis has tried to shine a light on these crimes, but his work has been met with resistance from entrenched factions. Politi writes of the decline in church attendance and vocations to the priesthood throughout the world as the church continues to prohibit divorced and remarried Catholics from receiving the communion wafer. He visits European parishes where women now perform the functions of missing male priests--and where the remaining parishioners would welcome the admission of women to the priesthood, if the church would allow it.Pope Francis's emphasis on pastoral compassion for all who struggle with the burden of family life has also provoked the ire of traditionalists in the Roman Curia and elsewhere. He knows from personal experience what life is like for the poor in Buenos Aires and other metropolises of the globalized world, and highlights the contrast between the vital, vibrant faith of these parishioners and the disillusionment of European Catholics. Pope Francis and his supporters are locked in a battle with the defenders of the traditional hard line and with ecclesiastical corruption. In this conflict, the future of Catholicism is at stake--and it is far from certain Francis will succeed in saving the institution from decline.

"Agents of Empire" offers a fascinating journey into the complex web of alliances and espionage that defined Mediterranean geopolitics in the 1500s. If you're a history buff looking to get lost in the tales of knights, corsairs, Jesuits, and spies—all key players in shaping the era's imperial strategies—this is your kind of read. Malcolm's meticulous research and engaging prose bring pivotal figures and events to life, making the distant past feel immediate and thrilling.

This memoir, "The Lives and Times of HRH," takes you on an inspiring journey through the life of Herman Hochstadt. From his rise in the civil service to his influential positions in key ministries, HRH's wit and charm shine through. The book not only shares the personal and professional experiences of HRH, but also offers a unique perspective on Singapore's development. With warmth and humor, HRH's dedication to public service is evident throughout the pages. A must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of Singapore's history.

If you're intrigued by personal stories that also untangle the deeper threads of a nation's social fabric, "A Tiger Remembers: The Way We Were in Singapore" is for you. Ann Wee's intimate account serves as a window to the evolving family dynamics and cultural shifts in Singapore from the 1950s. Her warm, anecdotal style captures the heart of Singapore's progress and could offer you a renewed appreciation for the nuances that define a community's history.

Richard Gilman examines each of Chekhov's full-length plays, showing how they relate to each other, to Chekhov's short stories, and to his life. He also places the plays in the context of Russian and European drama and the larger culture of the period. Gilman interweaves biographical narrative with textual commentary and with a discussion of stage-craft and dramaturg - Chekhov's techniques for influencing viewers, the scenic framing of the action, and issues of genre and temporal structuring. Although previous critics of Chekhov have tended to view him as an essentially social dramatist or as an observer of the smaller aspects of existence, Gilman asserts that Chekhov was far more of an innovative playwright, a revolutionary, than has been seen.

E. P. Thompson's long-awaited book on William Blake was published shortly after the historian's death in August 1993. Acclaimed as one of his best and most deeply felt works, it appears now for the first time in paperback. Written with a vivid passion, and bearing the marks of Thompson's lifelong struggle against authoritarian and anti-humanitarian politics both at the level of the individual and of the state, Witness Against the Beast: William Blake and the Moral Law is a profound enquiry into the structure of Blake's thought and the character of his sensibility. Its qualities are among those which place Thompson himself in the same tradition of dissenting values and non-conforming radicalism represented by Blake some two hundred years earlier.

Recommended for history lovers, especially of WWII. This book captures the essence of Hitler's formative years in Vienna and how the city played a pivotal role in shaping his beliefs and worldview. The author delves deep into Hitler's early life, examining eyewitness accounts and new facts that shed light on his close relationship with Jewish friends and benefactors. The book also analyzes the influence of the politicians who shaped Hitler's political path. A must-read for anyone interested in understanding the origins of Hitler's radical movement and the events that led to WWII.

In the history of modern theater Ibsen is one of the dominating figures. The sixteen chapters of this Companion explore his life and work. The plays are grouped and discussed chronologically; among the thematic topics are discussions of Ibsen's comedy, realism, lyric poetry and feminism. Substantial chapters account for Ibsen's influence on the international stage, including an interview with ex-RSC director John Barton and an essay by Arthur Miller exploring Ibsen's challenge to contemporary theater and film. Essential reference materials include a full chronology, list of works, and essays on twentieth-century criticism and further reading.

This book is a must-read for anyone who wants a comprehensive understanding of the monophonic music of the Middle Ages. Giulio Cattin provides a detailed exploration of the birth and evolution of Christian chant, as well as the development of secular music in various languages. With the author's authority and accessible writing style, this book brings to life the rich musical traditions that form the basis of Europe's musical heritage. You'll also find intriguing chapters on early instrumental music and the philosophy of ars musica.