The Halletts' investigation differs from anything that has been written about the relationship between Thomas More and William Shakespeare in that it approaches the subject from a dramaturgical point of view. This book defines, in specific terms, what Shakespeare learned from his study of More's History and how he learned it.

More virtually does Shakespeare's work for him': Dogmas of the More Myth PART I: SHAKESPEARE'S ATTEMPTS TO CREATE DE CASIBUS REVERSALS 'Then York, be still awhile, till time do serve': Shakespeare's dependence upon narrative Techniques Exploiting the Ricardian shock: Hastings, Clarence, and Edward Crafting the 'Rusty Armor' Charade (3.5.1-109) the Insurrection that Hoodwinks the Mayor PART II: SHAKESPEARE'S DISCOVERY OF THE DRAMATIC POTENTIALS OF THE PERSUADING SCENE 'For on that ground I'll make a holy descant-' Two Con Men Show how their Thespian Skills Brought Richard's Cause 'to a happy issue' 'Was ever woman in this humor woo'd?': Richard's Boast of his Prowess as Lover and Playwright 'The most arch act of piteous massacre/That ever yet this land was guilty of': How Shakespeare's Method of Exposing Richard Differs from More's 'To her go I, a jolly thriving wooer' - Again! A Re-Evaluation of the Second Wooing Scene in 4.4.199-431 PART III: CLOSURE AND CONCLUSIONS Meanwhile, Back at the Tetralogy...Reversal and Retribution at Bosworth Field: Closure in Act 5