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
The Merry Wives of Windsor
? How is the play unique amongst Shakespeare's works? Which famous author, who called Shakespeare 'the great master', organised an amateur production of the play? What is a 'buck-basket'? And a 'mountain of mummy'? Which German revolutionaries - and which Russian ruler - were great admirers of
Merry Wives
? Where was Bucklersbury, and why was it famous? When was 'simple time'? And who was Sackerson? 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."
open the plays up admirably. Excellent for all levels of reader - everybody will get something from them." - Simon Callow.