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
Julius Caesar
? Why was it such an important milestone in his career? How does the play reflect the political anxiety and censorship of the time? Who directed a version of the play in 1937 in which Caesar bore a strong resemblance to Mussolini? Which lines from the play most impressed Nelson Mandela during his years of imprisonment? Why is bear-baiting mentioned in the play? And which was 'the most unkindest cut of all'? 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.