Beginning with a discussion of the play's textual history, this text then analyses the various contexts and sources that influenced the play. It also examines the play's dramatic structure, offers a detailed plot summary and discusses the play's major themes.

Shakespeare may have written "As You Like It" in response to the popularity of Robin Hood plays in the late 1590s. Though his play draws on such works as Thomas Lodge's "Rosalynde" it continues to entertain audiences some 400 years after it was written. This reference is a comprehensive guide to the play. Beginning with a discussion of the play's textual history, the guide then analyses its various contexts and sources of influence. The play's dramatic structure is examined, a detailed plot summary is offered, and the play's major themes, along with an overview of major critical approaches to the work, are discussed. The volume also surveys major productions of "As You Like It" from the 16th through the 20th century.

Textual history
contexts and sources
dramatic structure
themes
critical approaches
play in performance
works cited
bibliographical essay.