‘In a short and readable book Lanier has broken new ground for the consideration of Shakespeare’s status in contemporary culture, as well as providing rich and enjoyable material for further exploration.’ -Around The Globe ‘In Lanier’s hands we are made aware of how deeply ingrained Shakespeare has become in the world, and how popular culture continues to express split opinions about his importance and authority, simultaneously attracted to his usefulness and resistant to his dominance.’ -Around The Globe ‘An important addition to the series and a major contribution to Shakespeare studies, the first book that provides a general outline of how the playwright has been and continues to be used in popular culture, and what influence mass culture has in turn had on attitudes to him.’ -Around The GlobeOur notions of Shakespeare have been shaped partly by his diffuse presence in films, comics, TV, mass-market novels, kitsch, and advertising. Through a series of case studies, Douglas Lanier examines how modern popular culture has appropriated and refashioned Shakespeare as a cultural icon.