Shakespeare Studies: Books and Primary Sources

Primary source for identifying U.S., Canadian, and European doctoral dissertations and master's theses.

European Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs).

Full-text of electronically submitted theses and dissertations from the University of Kentucky, from June 2000.

Over 60,000 images of original manuscript and printed material, including ephemera, pamphlets, commonplace books, diaries, periodicals, letters, ledgers, manuscript journals, poetry, receipt books and conduct and advice literature.

Contains copies of virtually every book printed in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and British North America and works in English printed elsewhere from 1473-1700.

Full-text of 20 different versions searchable by version and historical period. Also available from Literature Online under "Individual Collections."

Features the prompt book collection at the Folger Shakespeare Library, which tell the story of Shakespeare’s plays as they were performed in theatres throughout Great Britain, the United States, and internationally, between the seventeenth and twentieth centuries. They include personal notes, sketches and cues for lighting and music, from set design and costume to music and acting. Prompt books for over 90% of Shakespeare’s plays are included, including editions owned by notable actors and directors such as Charles and John Philip Kemble, Henry Irving, Ellen Terry, and Laurence Olivier. Performances of particular cultural importance have been selected as case studies, including David Garrick’s revised 1772 production of Hamlet, Henry Irving’s 1879 production of ­The Merchant of Venice, and Laurence Olivier’s Academy Award-winning cinema release of Hamlet in 1948.