Nation, State and Empire in English Renaissance Literature

Exploring the influence of English Renaissance literature, this book examines how major authors like Shakespeare, Spenser, and Milton shaped and challenged national and colonial identities. It integrates insights from new British history and postcolonial criticism, highlighting a significant shift in early modern studies from focusing on Irish to British issues. The work delves into the complexities of union, plantation, and conquest, offering a fresh perspective on the cultural dynamics of the period.