All of us want to read Shakespeare. But today, who has the time? Now, with this book, discover how easily you can become a connoisseur of all Shakespeare’s greatest plays (and many of the sonnets) in less time than it takes to read one play conventionally.
These skillful summaries offer up the highlights of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpieces, to quickly and painlessly acquaint readers with Shakespeare, his world, his words, and his most noteworthy works.
A ‘Shakespeare at a Glance’ chapter includes a brief biography, excerpts from some of his greatest poems, and samplings of his rapier wit and level-headed wisdom. And a witty section, entitled ‘Shakespearean Insults’, unlocks a door into the playwright’s psyche by letting you unleash your own playfully biting barbs.
A coffee break is more than enough time to assimilate a play’s plots and characters, and give you a flavour of the language. In addition the insightful commentary will help you form your own opinions about its relevance. In a short time, you will have mastered the essence of Shakespearean thought. If, as Shakespeare claims, ‘all the world’s a stage’, this volume is your cue to join in on the act.
CONTENTS Introduction COMEDIES The Taming of the Shrew The Tempest As You Like It The Merchant of Venice Much Ado About Nothing All’s Well That Ends Well A Midsummer Night’s Dream The Comedy of Errors The Two Gentlemen of Verona The Winter’s Tale TRAGEDIES Hamlet, Prince of Denmark King Lear Romeo and Juliet Macbeth Othello Julius Caesar HISTORIES Antony and Cleopatra Troilus and Cressida The Life of King Henry V Henry VIII Richard II Richard III WHY READ SUMMARIES? READ MORE SUMMARIES