Valentine and Proteus, close friends, become rivals for the hand of Silvia, daughter of the duke of Milan with unexpected results.

This book includes a brief biography of William Shakespeare; a synopsis of the play "As You Like It"; and a selection of criticism on the play, discussing the main currents of criticism in each century since Shakespeare's time.

Rosalind is the daughter of banished Duke Senior and is being raised at the court of Duke Frederick, with her cousin Celia. She falls in love with a young man named Orlando, but she is banished by Duke Frederick, who threatens death if she comes near the court again. Celia goes with Rosalind. Disguised as the boy Ganymede, Rosalind enters the forest of Arden. Upon their arrival in the forest, they happen upon Orlando and his manservant, who are fleeing...