The plays and poems of William Heminge

This is the first edition of the complete works of William Heminge (1602-c. 1653). It offers a biography of Heminge (son of Shakespeare's colleague John Heminge), texts of his two surviving tragedies, and the small group of poems assigned to him in contemporary manuscripts.

The commentaries investigate Heminge's historical sources and theatrical techniques, the stage history and afterlife of the plays, and the provenance of the manuscripts containing his poems.

Heminge's literary debt to Shakespeare and reputation as a Shakespearean plagiarist are also investigated. "The Jewes Tragedy" is examined in the contact of contemporary Roman dramas and representations of Jews on stage.

Three early modern analogues to Heminge's narrative of the "Fall of the Temple" are also discussed. "The Fatal Contract" is an important addition to our understanding of the revenge tragedy tradition, given its unprecedented focus on a female avenger.

Contemporary portrayals of cross-dressed women, Africans, and eunuchs are examined to give context to Heminge's greatest innovation.

Carol A. Morley is tutor on the MA in Theatre and Performance Studies at Rose Bruford College, Kent.