Firing of Arden Editor Causes Tempest in Shakespeare Studies

By Jennifer Howard

The publisher of the eminent Arden Shakespeare collection has sent a shock wave through the ranks of Shakespeare scholars by terminating the contract of the senior researcher charged with editing a new edition of A Midsummer Night's Dream for the series.

The decision by Cengage Learning to sever ties with Patricia Parker, a professor of English at Stanford University, has infuriated many of Ms. Parker's fellow Shakespeareans. More than 180 supporters have signed an