This work examines the original text of "Antony and Cleopatra" and the play's contexts and sources. It considers how Shakespeare's dramatic presentation of a powerful female ruler might reflect political attitudes in Renaissance England, and how he drew from North's Plutarch.

A bibliographical essay then reviews the most important general works for further reading.

-- Preface -- Textual History -- Contexts and Sources -- Dramatic Structure -- The Major Characters: Antony and Cleopatra -- Themes -- Critical Approaches -- The Play in Performance -- Bibliographical Essay