Includes bibliographical references (pages 182-185) and index.
The early publication of the Sonnets -- The history and emergence of the sonnet as a literary form -- The Sonnets in relation to Shakespeare's life -- The form of Shakespeare's Sonnets -- The artistry of Shakespeare's Sonnets -- Concerns of the Sonnets -- The Sonnets as theatre -- The place of 'A lover's complaint' -- The later publication of the Sonnets -- The critical reputation of the Sonnets -- The Sonnets and later writers -- The Sonnets in performance.