About the Book

Little is known about Ann Hathaway, the wife of England's greatest playwright; a great deal has been assumed, none of it complimentary. In Shakespeare's Wife, Germaine Greer boldly breaks new ground, reclaiming this much maligned figure from generations of scholarly neglect and misogyny. With deep insight and intelligence, she offers daring and thoughtful new theories about the farmer's daughter who married Britain's immortal Bard, painting a vivid portrait of a truly remarkable woman.

Critical Praise

“Lively, rigorous, fiercely imagined…an ingenious new book…” — Katie Roiphe, New York Times Book Review

“Fascinating…Greer meticulously exposes the sexist biases underlying depictions of Ann…and re-creates in lavish detail the material realities of women’s lives in 16th century England.” — Entertainment Weekly

“A riveting read…Not only Greer’s scholarship but her sympathy and her imagination are fully engaged.” — Victoria Glendinning

“A richly textured account…Greer’s theory about Shakespeare’s relation with his wife is original and persuasive…She reminds us of facts other critics have ignored.” — Marilyn French, Publishers Weekly (Boxed Signature Review)

“Intriguing . . . A portrait of life in Stratford circa 1600 on almost every level and in every aspect.” — Booklist

Product Details

• ISBN: 9780061537165
• ISBN 10: 0061537160
• Imprint: Harper Perennial
• On Sale: 03/17/2009
• Trimsize: 5.310 in (w) x 8.000 in (h) x 0.970 in (d)
• Pages: 432
• List Price: $16.99
• BISAC1 : HISTORY / Europe / Great Britain / 20th Century
• BISAC2 : HISTORY / Europe / Great Britain / 21st Century
• BISAC3 : HISTORY / Europe / Great Britain
• BISAC4 : HISTORY / Social History
• BISAC5 : BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Historical