The
Shakespeare Handbooks
provide a helpful, straightforward guide to the work of the world's most celebrated dramatist. Along with a clear, easy-to-follow description of the plot, each book contains plenty of quotations from the text - with simple explanations of any unfamiliar words and phrases - and some thought-provoking comments from critics, past and present. The
include a few intriguing Shakespearean facts and figures, too. How old was Shakespeare when he wrote
A Midsummer Night's Dream
? How did he smuggle in a subtle compliment to Queen Elizabeth I - and a gentle put-down to one of his critics? What did Samuel Pepys think of the play? Which topics are mentioned more frequently in this play than in any other by Shakespeare? And which piece of music inspired by
is played week in and week out all over the world? If you're apprehensive about approaching a Shakespeare play, the
provide the perfect introduction. They're ideal for students, theatregoers - in fact, anyone curious to know more about the greatest plays in the English language. These are a few of the appreciative comments we've received about the
:
"Tremendously useful in helping to understand Shakespeare's works" - Dame Judi Dench.
"Very readable, very helpful" - Kenneth Branagh.
"The
open the plays up admirably. Excellent for all levels of reader - everybody will get something from them." - Simon Callow.