Fiddes?s theological breadth and openness are a breath of the freshest of air, bracing, and giving new life. The book is very engagingly written and thoroughly absorbing throughout. It deserves to garner a wide readership among lovers and scholars of Shakespeare and theologians who wish to think with, and through, art, drama, liturgy, poetry.
Sarah Beckwith, Duke University, author of Shakespeare and the Grammar of Forgiveness
An eminent theologian, Paul Fiddes does not just add to our shelves another book on Shakespeare and religion, and he sensibly avoids Shakespeare?s own faith. The startling question he poses is what reading Shakespeare?s plays can do for contemporary theology. Rather a lot, as it turns out. But the depth of Fiddes?s knowledge of literary criticism and theory is also startling. Anyone interested in Shakespeare really will want this book on their shelf.
Hannibal Hamlin, Ohio State University
A really original study of the religious hinterland of Shakespeare's drama, this book brings together a wealth of literary and theological learning with a deep attentiveness to the text of the plays and an unusual sensitivity to their resonances.
Rowan Williams, Magdalene College, Cambridge, author of The Edge of Words: God and the Habits of Language