Straight Acting

Straight ActingIntroducing Straight Acting, a groundbreaking exploration of William Shakespeare's queerness and the profound impact of queer culture on his work. This brand new trade paperback, released in 2024 by Hodder & Stoughton, delves into the intriguing question of whether Shakespeare was gay. The answer unfolds within the pages of this compelling read, blending incisive cultural analysis with captivating storytelling. Renowned authors such as SARAH WATERS of

Introducing Straight Acting, a groundbreaking exploration of William Shakespeare's queerness and the profound impact of queer culture on his work. This brand-new trade paperback, released in 2024 by Hodder & Stoughton, delves into the intriguing question of whether Shakespeare was gay. The answer unfolds within the pages of this compelling read, blending incisive cultural analysis with captivating storytelling.

Renowned authors such as SARAH WATERS of Fingersmith acclaim the book as 'engrossing, enlightening, and hugely entertaining,' while KATHERINE RUNDELL, author of Super-Infinite, describes it as 'brilliant - so vivid and so sharp, fantastically clever and consistently fascinating.'

This enlightening work reveals how Shakespeare's artistry was shaped by the rich tapestry of queer lives during his time. From the influence of Latin and Greek homoeroticism to the lively gender-bending early comedies, Straight Acting offers a fresh perspective on Shakespeare's sonnets and his own personal struggles with identity. Readers will journey back to Shakespeare's England, a world where same-sex desire was both suppressed and celebrated, as the book calls for a reevaluation of Shakespeare's narrative – challenging the need to confine him to a 'straight' acting role.

Emma Smith, author of This Is Shakespeare, describes the book as 'magisterial and saucy,' stating that this fresh account revitalizes the queer canon of English literature, ensuring Shakespeare enters the literary discourse authentically. Perfect for scholars, LGBTQ+ advocates, and literature enthusiasts alike, Straight Acting is essential reading that redefines the legacy of one of history’s greatest playwrights.