Synopsis Infirm Glory places Shakespeare in the context of Renaissance thought and literature, especially with respect to man’s faculties and his place in the universe. The author starts with an account of Renaissance skepticism, the line of thought that questions man’s ability to attain to certain knowledge. This intellectual doubt soon extends to moral questioning, and passes beyond formal philosophy to broader literary and speculative treatments.

Infirm Glory was originally published in 1981. This new edition carries a fresh introduction by the author, looking back on his work and placing it in the light of subsequent scholarship. There is also a short critique of English studies, especially Shakespeare studies, in India.