Hunter (history of rhetoric and performance, U. of California, Davis) and Lichtenfels (theater and dramatic art, U. of California, Davis) worked for twelve years on the "transdisciplinary" study of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet They divide the study into two main sections with the subdivisions demonstrating the many aspects of their examination of the play. The first half looks at the play from the point of view of readers, performers and editors, all with different perceptions and goals. The second half discusses the play from a socio-historical standpoint, what is says about Shakespeare's era and the constants of the human condition. The accompanying DVD is a modern twist on the old variorum. It contains the text of Quarto I, notes and video clips of performances. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)