The bubonic plague, also known as the “Black Death,” ranks among the most devastating natural disasters in history. Between 1347 and 1352, the plague ravaged Europe, causing widespread panic and a staggering death toll. One-third of Europe’s population perished due to the outbreak. This catastrophic event influenced many facets of daily life and was reflected in the art and literature of the period. Philip Ziegler’s The Black Death (1969) offers a comprehensive analysis of this tragic event.

The Globe Theatre has been reconstructed in Bankside, London, just a few yards from the site of the original playhouse. Theatrical entrepreneur Sam Wanamaker conducted extensive research to ensure authenticity to the original design. The story of the theatre’s reconstruction and the meticulous research behind this ambitious project is captivating, providing valuable insights into Elizabethan theatre. A notable book on the subject is Shakespeare’s Globe Rebuilt (1997), edited by J. R. Mulryne, Margaret Shewring, Andrew Gurr, and Ronnie Mulryne.

Will Kempe was a leading actor in Shakespeare’s company, renowned for his comic roles. Shakespeare wrote many clown characters in his early plays specifically for Kempe, who originated the roles of Bottom and Falstaff. Other members of Shakespeare’s company were also fascinating figures. Over the years, numerous intriguing Shakespearean actors have emerged, and their stories are compelling. Bernard D. N. Grebanier’s Then Came Each Actor: Shakespearean Actors, Great and Otherwise, Including Players and Princes, Rogues, Vagabonds, and Actors Motley, from Will Kempe to Olivier and Gielgud and After (1975) explores the behind-the-scenes world of Shakespeare’s time and offers insightful information about subsequent Shakespearean actors.

In the latter part of the sixteenth century, Spain was the dominant international power. King Philip II of Spain was deeply troubled by Elizabeth I’s conversion of England to Protestantism and vowed to conquer the English heretics and convert them to Catholicism. To achieve this, he dispatched his “Invincible Armada” of 125 ships toward the English Channel in May 1588. The fleet was met by English ships and decisively defeated. John Tincey’s The Spanish Armada (2000) provides a meticulously researched account of this remarkable battle.