As a compendium of knowledge about Shakespeare, this handbook goes beyond being a standard work on the time, life, and works of the greatest English poet: it also addresses issues of text criticism, Shakespeare research, and translation, as well as reception on stage and the afterlife in literature, art, and music. For the 5th edition, the already fundamentally revised and partially rewritten previous edition has been expanded with a subject index and a timeline that extends to the present: a must for literature students and professionals, and a treasure trove for Shakespeare readers and theatergoers.