The Shakespeare Handbook - Hardcover

Schmidt, Michael; Maslen, Robert

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 184724615X ISBN 13: 9781847246158

Publisher: Quercus Publishing, 2008

Synopsis

The Shakespeare Handbook is the definitive Bard-in-brief. Presenting 50 of the most significant and best-loved scenes from Shakespeare, each extract is preceded by a summary of the play - its plot, characters and themes. The scenes themselves are beautifully and clearly laid out, with key quotes highlighted and explained, and illustrated with a famous painting, drawing or still. Arranged chronologically to show the progression in Shakespeare's style and themes, the seminal scenes chosen by Professor Schmidt: * range from the comedy of Bottom's head turning into that of an ass to the tragedy of Cleopatra's death; and from the wonderful love scenes of the Merchant of Venice to the bloody dealings of Richard III, * Showcases the Bard's greatest dialogue, from 'Must he needs die?' and 'Is this a dagger...?' to 'Once more unto the breach' and 'All the world's a stage' * Encompasses all of Shakespeare's plays, from the lesser-known Cymbeline, King John, Titus Andronicus to the most famous scenes of all time in Romeo and Juliet, King Lear, Hamlet and Macbeth. This accessible guide is the easiest way to fill one of the most embarrassing, and common, of all gaps in a reader's knowledge.

About this title

About the Authors

chmidt is Professor of Poetry at the University of Glasgow. He is a poet, novelist, translator, literary historian and anthologist. He is the managing director of the influential poetry publisher, Carcanet Press. His books include Lives of the Poets, The Story of Poetry, The First Poets and The Shakespeare Handbook (Quercus).

slen has written the books Elizabethan Fictions (1997) and Shakespeare and Comedy (2005) and edited works by Philip Sidney, Thomas Dekker and Mervyn Peake. He teaches English Literature at the University of Glasgow.

From the Back Cover

The essential bluffer's guide to the complete works of William Shakespeare.
Includes scenes from every one of Shakespeare's plays.
Provides summaries of plots, characters and key themes.
Illuminates and explains the Bard's greatest dialogue.

From the Inside Flap

Have you ever been embarrassed by a clever reference to Shakespeare? Felt flummoxed by Twelfth Night? Wondered just what an "iambic pentameter" was? Or wanted to understand the deeper significance of the storm scene in King Lear? This unique anthology will equip you with everything you need to know about Shakespeare - without poring over the complete works.
Here are the 50 most famous and celebrated scenes from every one of Shakespeare's 37 plays, including the lesser-known King John and Timon of Athens; the classic comedies Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night's Dream; and the theatrical tours-de-force Hamlet, Othello and Macbeth. Experts Michael Schmidt and R W Maslen introduce each scene, providing a summary of the plot, portraits of the central characters, and an overview of the key themes. Complemented by images of the play in action, and clear and concise notes illuminating the most significant passages, the drama of each play is brought to life, and the hidden meanings behind the language are revealed.
From Henry V's jingoistic cry of "Once more unto the breach", and the rousing "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears", to the renowned "To be or not to be" and "Is this a dagger which I see before me?", Shakespeare's inimitable dialogue is explored and unpicked, furnishing you with an impressive range of Shakespearean quotes and quips.
Informative and entertaining, this comprehensive guide will expand and enrich your understanding of the world's greatest playwright. You need never feel baffled by the Bard again.

Edition details

• Publisher: Quercus Publishing
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 184724615X
• ISBN 13: 9781847246158
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 208