shakespeare, william

An abridged version of the classic "Romeo and Juliet," the tale of star-crossed lovers in Italy, narrated by Wishbone the television dog, with information about the author and setting of the story, and a list of characters.

Discusses the history of Shakespeare's Globe theatre, including its construction, the plays that were performed there, its financial aspects, and the reconstruction in 1995.

Shakespeare's ability to create epic tragic characters, think Hamlet, Lear, and the star-crossed Romeo and Juliet, and scenarios is virtually unrivalled. Readers examine the Bard's major tragedies and their significance, and touch upon the state of theatre and dramatic performance in Shakespeare's England for good measure.

Shakespeare was influenced by the events that took shape all around him. Sweeping changes to England's politics, language, and culture that took place during his lifetime were the fertile ground from which he drew inspiration. Shakespeare's life is surveyed and the social context in which he created his greatest drama and poetry is examined.

Two historical tetralogies, and his narrative poems, in addition to the particular form of sonnet that now bears his name are examined through engaging text. Also a brief treatise on the music within and accompanying productions of Shakespeare's plays rounds out the coverage.

In Shakespeare's time, the term "comedy" did not necessarily denote something funny or amusing. Shakespeare examines other defining characteristics of comedic drama, the social interactions of common folks and a focus on the contradictions inherent in everyday life. Readers explore the major themes of Shakespearean comedies.

An account of the tangled publication history of Shakespeare's sonnets, arguing that Shakespeare neither approved nor knew of their first printing.

Explores the influences on Herman Melville's writing of "Moby Dick".

A coming-of-age novel about a seventeen-year-old New Jersey boy who falls in love and stumbles into a bit part in Orson Welles's debut production on Broadway, all in the same week.

Explains how to use critical theory to analyze the works of William Shakespeare and provides summaries of his plays as well as critiques of each.