As You Like It (Annotated with Biography and Critical Essay)

As You Like It was written around 1599 and is one of Shakespeare’s comedies.  It is set in a pastoral world (an idealized rural setting) and is full of jokes, songs, puns, and romance.  It is one of the most light-hearted of Shakespeares works.  There are more songs in As You Like It than any other Shakespeare play.  The play makes many references to classical mythology and medieval folklore.  It was inspired by Thomas Lodge’s story Rosalynde published in 1590.

The play is partly set in the countryside in France, in the Forest of Arden (or, alternatively, Ardenne).  In contrast, the other setting is the court of a duchy.    In the duchy, Duke Frederick has successfully usurped his brother Duke Senior from his position as ruler.  Duke Senior has been exiled to the Forest of Arden, where he vows to begin anew, along with his followers and supporters. The exiles talk about the qualities of court life and how they compare to country life.  

This annotated edition includes a biography and critical essay.