Macbeth

This is the most extensively annotated edition of Macbethcurrently available, offering a thorough reconsideration of one ofShakespeare's most popular plays. A full and accessible updatedintroduction studies the immediate theatrical and politicalcontexts of Macbeth's composition, especially the Gunpowder Plotand the contemporary account of an early performance at the Globe.It treats such issues as whether the Witches compel Macbeth tomurder; whether Lady Macbeth is herself in some sense a witch;whether Banquo is Macbeth's accomplice in crime; and what criticismis levelled against Macduff. Several possible new sources aresuggested, and the presence of Thomas Middleton's writing in theplay is proposed. An extensive, well-illustrated account of theplay in performance examines several cinematic versions, such asthose by Kurosawa and Roman Polanski, and a brand new introductorysection on recent performances and adaptations brings the editioncompletely up-to-date.