This play contains no thesis of Shakespeare's life, character, or genius, except that he was a born poet and working dramatist. The scenes included were intended, quite mythically, to represent barely possible incidents in his life, passages read to or by his friends, or performances in his theatre.

Williams provides brief biographies of certain historical figures whose names have long been prevalent in English literature. These names are used not only in correct historical allusions, but as imaginative ideas of the English mind.

The life of Elizabeth represents, in English history, the longest and most spectacular period of a change in society. That change began before her. It was the change from a society directed, at any rate in theory, by a metaphysical idea, to a society directed, both in theory and practice, by nothing but he continual pressure of events. It is a change completed in our day. -from the first chapter Charles Williams was one of the finest-not to mention one of the most unusual-theologians of the twentieth century. His mysticism is palpable-the unseen world interpenetrates ours at every point, and...

The Holy Grail surfaces in an obscure country parish, as the traditional story is given a contemporary setting.

Long out of print, "The Silver Stair" is Williams' first published work, as well as his first collection of poems. The author was one of the finest--not to mention one of the most unusual--theologians of the 20th century. His mysticism is palpable; his novels are legend, and his poetry is profound. 104 pp.