Grupul editorial Universul Juridic

This book is a revised version of my PhD thesis, submitted to and publically defended at the University of Bucharest, in February 2011. I owe my utmost gratitude to my former PhD supervisor, Prof. Dr. Madalina Nicolaescu, whose guidance and unswerving support have always encouraged me to move forward and explore new grounds, ever since my undergraduate years. Professor Nicolaescu introduced me to the Renaissance and Shakespeare’s plays and taught me, among other things, never to give up wondering, questioning and searching for new meanings. She has been a model supervisor, constantly offering invaluable feedback and placing at my disposal her immense learning and wisdom, with boundless energy, at every stage of my career. The joy and enthusiasm she has for her research was contagious and motivational for me, even during tough times in the Ph.D. pursuit. I cannot thank her enough for her help and friendship over the years, and I hope to pay respect to its formative effect by continuing to emulate her model the best I can.

I am also deeply indebted to the referees of my thesis: Prof. Rodica Dimitriu (Al. Ioan Cuza University, Iasi), Prof. Pia Brinzeu (West University of Timisoara) and Prof. Monica Matei-Chesnoiu (Ovidius University, Constanta) for their time, interest, helpful comments and insightful questions.

Throughout these years, I have had the wonderful opportunity of meeting a number of Shakespeare and translation scholars, at the various national and international conferences devoted to Shakespeare, translation or English Studies (ESRA, ISA,ESSE), whose comments, questions or suggestions have been particularly helpful and informative. I benefited from such inspiring and faith building responses from a number of people: Prof. Stanley Wells (University of Birmingham), Prof. Hugh Grady (Arcadia University), Prof. Dirk Delabastita (University of Namur), Prof. Michael Cronin (Dublin City University), Dr. Michael J. Redmond (University of Palermo), Prof. Angel-Luis Pujante (University of Murcia), Prof. Marta Gibinska (Jagellonian University), Prof. Mihaela Irimia (University of Bucharest), Prof. Keith Gregor (University of Murcia), Assoc.Prof. Maria-Sabina Draga (University of Bucharest), Assoc. Prof. Melissa Croteau (Baptist University California) Assoc.Prof. Sorana Corneanu (University of Bucharest), Dr. Jason Lawrence (University of Hull), Dr. Petruta Naidut (University of Bucharest), Prof. Laura Tosi (University of Venice), Prof. Douglas Lanier (University of New Hampshire ), Prof. Bogdan Stefanescu (University of Bucharest), Assoc.Prof. Carmen Dutu (Dimitrie Cantemir University), Assoc. prof. Anna Cetera (Warsaw University), Prof. George Volceanov (Spiru Haret University), Prof. Valerie Henitiuk (MacEwan University). I thank them all.

Much of the work for this book was made possible by the funding provided by two national research grants (IDEI PN II, The European Dimension of Shakespeare’s Plays: Romanian Perspectives, CNCSIS 1978 (2008-2011); IDEI UB, University of Bucharest, (In)hospitable Translations: Shakespeare adaptations, nr 26/30.01.2008) which offered me the opportunity to undertake invaluable research at The Bodleian Library- Oxford (2008), Shakespeare Institute Library - Stratford-upon-Avon (2008), Istituto Nazionale di Studisul Rinascimento – Florence (2009), Bibliothéque Nationale de France – Paris (2011).

I am very thankful for the opportunities they have offered. Finally, and most importantly, I owe a very special debt of gratitude to my family, for all their love and encouragement. I thank my parents, Luiza and Mihai, my very own personal heroes, whose love, trust and support have always pushed me forward. Last but definitely not least, I would like to express my endless love to my wonderful husband, Radu, and to our exquisite little angel, Karina-Ana, who illuminate my life, every step of the way, making this journey worthwhile.