"Shakespeare's Sonnets are among the most fascinating poems in the English language. They are central to an understanding of his life and work as both poet and poetic dramatist. Yet many myths and superstitions have arisen around them. This book challenges assumptions and encourages fresh readings of these poems. Edmondson and Wells consider the Sonnets both as individual works and in relation to each other. A feature of the book is its survey of the Sonnets' reputation, their appropriation by other creative writers, and their status and potential as texts to be performed."--Jacket.