Prof. Prosser's historical research and insightful analysis of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" are simply marvelous. In her initial historical survey, Prosser succeeds in challenging and overturning many myths and misconceptions about Elizabethan revenge ethics that have caused "Hamlet" to be frequently misunderstood. After her historical review is complete, Prosser then provides an historically-based textual analysis of "Hamlet" which is even more remarkable.

While giving due respect to the theatrical nature of the original play, she interprets the text in a careful, scholarly fashion. In the end, her interpetation of the play is persuasive, comprehensive, and ultimately profound. If anyone wishes to truly understand "Hamlet" in the way that Shakespeare must have intended it (and the way in which Elizabethans must have understod it), "Hamlet and Revenge" is certainly the best book on the market. (Another good book with a similar historical survey is Fredson Bowers' "Elizabethan Revenge Tragedy")