This work investigates the intersection of post-structuralist theory and traditional historical scholarship in the study of William Shakespeare. David Scott Kastan, a prominent scholar in early modern literature, examines how the rise of literary theory in the late twentieth century challenged established methods of reading and editing Shakespearean texts. He argues for a synthesis that acknowledges the insights of theoretical inquiry while maintaining a rigorous commitment to the historical conditions of the plays' production and reception.

Scholars frequently cite this text as a balanced intervention in the 'theory wars' that defined late twentieth-century English departments. It is widely regarded as a foundational resource for graduate students and researchers seeking to navigate the methodological shifts in Shakespearean studies.