Shakespeare's Strangest Tales

by Iain Spragg

A fascinating playbill of stories from the weird and wonderful world of Shakespearean theatre through the centuries, including distinguished actors falling off stages, fluffed lines, performances in the dark, and why you must never, ever say the name of that Scottish play, especially if you are Peter O'Toole. Discover a wealth of Shakespearean shenanigans over the years, including the terrible behavior of the groundlings at Shakespeare's Globe, and how Dame Maggie Smith got even with Sir Laurence Olivier.

Genres: Shakespeare, History

256 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Rob Keeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very entertaining collection of tales about the Bard's life and legacy, from rumours of deer-poaching, through the man who rewrote King Lear with a happy ending, to the company that presented King Lear With Sheep! Concise, entertaining chapters and the book wears its learning lightly. I omitted the fifth star only because the flippant humour and needless modern references became a little annoying in places, particularly when jokes are presented as fact. Highly amusing read for any Shakespeare buff or indeed, newcomer.

[Lisa Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a theatre minor in college, I love a good tale of Shakespeare's presence. This is a collection of 89 vignettes of people and Shakespeare, including one from the late Maggie Smith. All the vignettes make it easier in finding a stopping place when sleep calls my name.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book containing information relating to Shakespeare at different points in history. Some chapters are about the man himself and the times he lived in, others are about things that happened after his demise. A fun and interesting little book.

[Caitlin Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author did a great job of mixing in humour with his writing, which at times made this a very entertaining read. There was a lot of interesting information, however I found myself skimming several chapters that could have been omitted.

[Tabatha Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this book. As a person who did no Shakespeare at school (I know for an English school it’s shocking) I was worried I wouldn’t understand most of Book however it was easy to read, to follow, and at times very funny. Thank you Iain