Contents

I shall offend, either to detain or give it. The contents, as in part I understand them, are to blame.

King Lear, Act 1, Scene 2

Prologue

Chapter 1: Our Humble Author

Chapter 2: All the World’s a Stage

Chapter 3: Will You Be Cured of Your Infirmity?

Chapter 4: Off With His Head!

Chapter 5: Murder, Murder!

Chapter 6: The Dogs of War

Chapter 7: A Plague O’both Your Houses!

Chapter 8: Most Delicious Poison

Chapter 9: To Be, or Not to Be

Chapter 10: Excessive Grief the Enemy to the Living

Chapter 11: Exit Pursued by a Bear

Epilogue

Appendix

Bibliography

Acknowledgements

Index