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The Friendly Shakespeare: A Thoroughly Painless Guide to the Best of the Bard
"Brings the Bard to the masses, makes his plays accessible, and, well, provides fun for the reader."— The New York Times
An introduction to Shakespeare for everyone
Dorrie Greenspan provides a delightful guide to the history and work of Shakespeare in a lively, entertaining voice. Providing "a browsing compendium that will educate and entertain students, teachers, actors and theatergoers " (Publishers Weekly).
An introduction to Shakespeare for everyone
Dorrie Greenspan provides a delightful guide to the history and work of Shakespeare in a lively, entertaining voice. Providing "a browsing compendium that will educate and entertain students, teachers, actors and theatergoers " (Publishers Weekly).
550 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
18 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 14, 2019
I had just finished Epstein’s The Friendly Dickens and enjoyed it very much. After reading that book I thought ‘Shakespeare too, well, why not?’ I’m glad I did.
In this book Epstein takes a look at the person, plays and history of Shakespeare. She then stirs in wonderful interviews, quirky facts, a select Filmography and wonderful anecdotes, and finishes with delightful trivia. What a vast stage to reach to on a bookshelf.
If you are looking for a thorough, lengthy and scholarly analysis of Shakespeare you will not find it here. If, however, you are like me and want to explore several avenues of consideration for a play, and want a way to open your eyes and mind to enjoy a Shakespearian play, then this is the book for you.
Shakespeare and Dickens. Could Chaucer be next?
In this book Epstein takes a look at the person, plays and history of Shakespeare. She then stirs in wonderful interviews, quirky facts, a select Filmography and wonderful anecdotes, and finishes with delightful trivia. What a vast stage to reach to on a bookshelf.
If you are looking for a thorough, lengthy and scholarly analysis of Shakespeare you will not find it here. If, however, you are like me and want to explore several avenues of consideration for a play, and want a way to open your eyes and mind to enjoy a Shakespearian play, then this is the book for you.
Shakespeare and Dickens. Could Chaucer be next?
January 5, 2014
I found this book very helpful. She turned Shakespeare from boring to intriguing for me. It's really great as an overview to Shakespeare, including history, double entendres, synopses, popular quotes, what to pay attention to, as well as the benefits to seeing the plays vs. reading them. I would recommend this book for someone looking for some general knowledge of Shakespeare or someone needing a refresher.
December 5, 2018
Impressive.
This is, in my experience, THE Shakespeare reference for the non-expert. Descriptions of the plays, how they were understood and experienced (each, one by one) in Shakespeare's time, as well as over the centuries. Breakdowns of character, plot, cultural relevance, controversy, errata, and... well... more!
I can honestly say that this quite likely contains everything you ever wanted to know about Shakespeare and then a generous helping of more.
As I said, this is an impressive, far-reaching, incredibly inclusive work.
This is, in my experience, THE Shakespeare reference for the non-expert. Descriptions of the plays, how they were understood and experienced (each, one by one) in Shakespeare's time, as well as over the centuries. Breakdowns of character, plot, cultural relevance, controversy, errata, and... well... more!
I can honestly say that this quite likely contains everything you ever wanted to know about Shakespeare and then a generous helping of more.
As I said, this is an impressive, far-reaching, incredibly inclusive work.
October 18, 2014
Although this is billed as a book about Shakespeare and his work for people who don't like it (of which I am definitely not numbered), I learned a lot about the plays and the periods in which they've been performed since to make this book worthwhile. For example, I hadn't known that the sonnet sequence for the most part is from an older man to a fair young boy. This isn't the idea of some fringe group either, but accepted by most Shakespearean scholars. Knowing this fact can certainly add a different level of meaning to many of the sonnets ("Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?").
Aside from the increased knowledge I gained of the texts, this book really helped me place the work against the time period that it was written for, and how people have viewed it since. Ms. Epstein's best analogy for aiding modern readers in grasping how Shakespeare was viewed in his day is comparing him with a writer for TV (strangely enough, a Twilight Zone episode did this as well). People who went to the Globe in 1600 went to see a "All in the Family Royal" or a "Three, Well That's Company" starring their favorite actor, Richard Burbage. The writer? Do you know who the writer of your favorite TV show is? Will "Cheers" be the "Much Ado About Nothing" of the 24th century? Or, even worse, will "Married . . . with Children"? (By the way, if you have any interest in Shakespeare, I strongly recommend Kenneth Branaugh's new version of "Much Ado About Nothing." While Keanu Reeves is stilted, and Michael Keaton possesses Dogberry with the spirit of Beetlejuice, for the most part the film is a joy, especially any time that Branaugh or Emma Thompson is on the screen.)
Rather than summarize the plays (which only details the plots, which quite often weren't of Shakespeare's invention), Epstein attempts to comment on the play, quoting critical and personal reactions. She also presents some small interviews with some of the most famous Shakespearean's living, about parts and plays most commonly associated with them. I was disappointed because the book was incomplete. Although I agree with her dismissal of "Julius Caesar," she goes into detail on "The Tempest" alone among the romantic plays, and misses quite a few of my favorite comedies as well. The books is quite a brick as it is, but this is due more to the large print and often wasted space between sections rather than the amount of words contained.
I read The Friendly Shakespeare from cover to cover, but it is well suited to be picked up and read from anywhere within its pages, most sections being only two pages long. For the bardolator and bard-avoider alike, Epstein's book is a lot like her subject--entertaining and fun, with enough serious matter for later contemplation.
Aside from the increased knowledge I gained of the texts, this book really helped me place the work against the time period that it was written for, and how people have viewed it since. Ms. Epstein's best analogy for aiding modern readers in grasping how Shakespeare was viewed in his day is comparing him with a writer for TV (strangely enough, a Twilight Zone episode did this as well). People who went to the Globe in 1600 went to see a "All in the Family Royal" or a "Three, Well That's Company" starring their favorite actor, Richard Burbage. The writer? Do you know who the writer of your favorite TV show is? Will "Cheers" be the "Much Ado About Nothing" of the 24th century? Or, even worse, will "Married . . . with Children"? (By the way, if you have any interest in Shakespeare, I strongly recommend Kenneth Branaugh's new version of "Much Ado About Nothing." While Keanu Reeves is stilted, and Michael Keaton possesses Dogberry with the spirit of Beetlejuice, for the most part the film is a joy, especially any time that Branaugh or Emma Thompson is on the screen.)
Rather than summarize the plays (which only details the plots, which quite often weren't of Shakespeare's invention), Epstein attempts to comment on the play, quoting critical and personal reactions. She also presents some small interviews with some of the most famous Shakespearean's living, about parts and plays most commonly associated with them. I was disappointed because the book was incomplete. Although I agree with her dismissal of "Julius Caesar," she goes into detail on "The Tempest" alone among the romantic plays, and misses quite a few of my favorite comedies as well. The books is quite a brick as it is, but this is due more to the large print and often wasted space between sections rather than the amount of words contained.
I read The Friendly Shakespeare from cover to cover, but it is well suited to be picked up and read from anywhere within its pages, most sections being only two pages long. For the bardolator and bard-avoider alike, Epstein's book is a lot like her subject--entertaining and fun, with enough serious matter for later contemplation.
October 30, 2007
Needs an update, but this is the type of book that should be handed out to all students so they know that Shakespeare is:
a) Funny
b) Vulgar
c) Smutty
d) Brilliant
Also has a movie section and various little boxed entries that indicate just how goofy some people have been and still are about Big Bill.
a) Funny
b) Vulgar
c) Smutty
d) Brilliant
Also has a movie section and various little boxed entries that indicate just how goofy some people have been and still are about Big Bill.
July 22, 2009
The author had some good insights but she focused too much on the sexual innuendo in Shakespeare and there were several instances of the "F" word used. Unfortunately, my 12 year old daughter who loves Shakespeare was drawn to the book, but I had to tell her it wasn't appropriate for her to read.
The best part of the book is the reviews of the different movie versions of Shakespeare's plays.
The best part of the book is the reviews of the different movie versions of Shakespeare's plays.
April 8, 2014
i am reading this for the GRE english lit test, and it is really fun and engaging! i have long loved film adaptations of shakespeare (julie taymor's 'titus' esp.) but this book is proving to be a real jam. if you ever need or want to get the lowdown on shakespeare's plays this is a great way to do so.
August 17, 2024
Loved this book in college. Good stuff.
May 24, 2012
From the Preface:
"Incidentally, the 'Friendly' of the title isn't intended to presume a chumminess that would turn Shakespeare into a ‘household pet’ (to use Shaw’s expression)—he can on occasion be shockingly brutal. What I wanted to convey was the real Shakespeare—not the academic, the watered down, or the air-brushed one presented to tourists and students but the man himself and the people who spend their lives studying him and practicing his art.”
The Goods:
-The author seems to be fairly open to praise and disparagement. Not too many cloying “Shakespeare is the greatest thing ever” moments. She tries to point out triumphs and the failures.
-Great little short summaries of some of the plays, with “things to look for,” “great renditions,” “history of…” and so on. These will be very helpful should I need them.
-Nice explanations of the types of plays Shakespeare did and why they’re different from one another.
-Lots of information that I found interesting about either the man or one of his works.
The So-Sos:
-Confusing beginning where she inserts as the text quotes from random actors/directors etc….their feelings about Shakespeare or his works. I wondered if the whole book was going to be a quote collection for a minute.
-Terrible, terrible layout. So confusing (Sally this book might drive you nuts in that way). There seems to be no real rhyme nor reason to how she put it all together. Random little “asides” thrown in every here & there. Not that most of them aren’t interesting, but it’s just hard to focus. Perhaps all the plays or categories in order and then a general section for trivia etc. would have pleased me more.
-A bit dated. We’re only 12 years past the publication, (and it could be my age), but I didn’t know who many of her quotes were from…the names mean nothing to me and she uses them like “anyone would know” who they were. Perhaps once?
The Bads:
-Perhaps this book is not so friendly for younger people. Some nude photos, some f-words (she apparently felt the need to “show” us what the script for a punk Hamlet looked like, completely peppered with profanity).
-Obsession with sex. In 2 ways, 1) Shakespeare’s own sexuality; and 2) the Elizabethan’s apparent delight in sexual bodily function jokes/puns/quibbles. For the latter, it’s sad, but we probably understand him much better today (as opposed to say, the Victorians?) as our culture seems to find this type of humor hilarious as well. As for the former? WHO CARES??? Okay, I know that some people really do. Sorry to you. But for me, I don’t. It’s totally non-relevant and she spent an awful lot of time there.
All in all, it was a decent book, easy reading, informative if maddening at times. I will find the film recommendations helpful and will definitely get the book out when I start to get more into individual plays with the intent to teach them to youth. I’m glad I own it, but I don’t know if you (random reader) need to run out and buy it.
Speaking somewhat of Shakespeare film, the BBC 2009 Hamlet with David Tennant and Patrick Stewart was absolutely the best Shakespeare I’ve seen. I don’t know that it is the best ever done, I’m sure it has its flaws. The beauty of it is that these actors said the words with their voices, their faces, and their bodies so I totally got it, all of it. My 12 yo did too. They were magnificent.
"Incidentally, the 'Friendly' of the title isn't intended to presume a chumminess that would turn Shakespeare into a ‘household pet’ (to use Shaw’s expression)—he can on occasion be shockingly brutal. What I wanted to convey was the real Shakespeare—not the academic, the watered down, or the air-brushed one presented to tourists and students but the man himself and the people who spend their lives studying him and practicing his art.”
The Goods:
-The author seems to be fairly open to praise and disparagement. Not too many cloying “Shakespeare is the greatest thing ever” moments. She tries to point out triumphs and the failures.
-Great little short summaries of some of the plays, with “things to look for,” “great renditions,” “history of…” and so on. These will be very helpful should I need them.
-Nice explanations of the types of plays Shakespeare did and why they’re different from one another.
-Lots of information that I found interesting about either the man or one of his works.
The So-Sos:
-Confusing beginning where she inserts as the text quotes from random actors/directors etc….their feelings about Shakespeare or his works. I wondered if the whole book was going to be a quote collection for a minute.
-Terrible, terrible layout. So confusing (Sally this book might drive you nuts in that way). There seems to be no real rhyme nor reason to how she put it all together. Random little “asides” thrown in every here & there. Not that most of them aren’t interesting, but it’s just hard to focus. Perhaps all the plays or categories in order and then a general section for trivia etc. would have pleased me more.
-A bit dated. We’re only 12 years past the publication, (and it could be my age), but I didn’t know who many of her quotes were from…the names mean nothing to me and she uses them like “anyone would know” who they were. Perhaps once?
The Bads:
-Perhaps this book is not so friendly for younger people. Some nude photos, some f-words (she apparently felt the need to “show” us what the script for a punk Hamlet looked like, completely peppered with profanity).
-Obsession with sex. In 2 ways, 1) Shakespeare’s own sexuality; and 2) the Elizabethan’s apparent delight in sexual bodily function jokes/puns/quibbles. For the latter, it’s sad, but we probably understand him much better today (as opposed to say, the Victorians?) as our culture seems to find this type of humor hilarious as well. As for the former? WHO CARES??? Okay, I know that some people really do. Sorry to you. But for me, I don’t. It’s totally non-relevant and she spent an awful lot of time there.
All in all, it was a decent book, easy reading, informative if maddening at times. I will find the film recommendations helpful and will definitely get the book out when I start to get more into individual plays with the intent to teach them to youth. I’m glad I own it, but I don’t know if you (random reader) need to run out and buy it.
Speaking somewhat of Shakespeare film, the BBC 2009 Hamlet with David Tennant and Patrick Stewart was absolutely the best Shakespeare I’ve seen. I don’t know that it is the best ever done, I’m sure it has its flaws. The beauty of it is that these actors said the words with their voices, their faces, and their bodies so I totally got it, all of it. My 12 yo did too. They were magnificent.
May 31, 2011
My husband and I went to see "A Midnight Summers Dream" a few months ago with some friends. Our friend is an absolute genius when it comes to Shakespeare. During half time, I was so confused that she tried to talk me through what we were watching. I was still very very confused. She had this book in her library and brought it over so I could read up on MSD. It made so much more sense. I called her and said "Is that what we saw?" I'll borrow her book again if I'm off to see Shakespeare. He does an excellent job of giving us crib notes of tips on how to enjoy the play and what we are watching.
June 22, 2011
This is a great reference book for those who are wanting to get a question answered in regards to "The Bard". This is also a good read, cover to cover, for those who are wanting a more long-term relationship with Shakespeare.
I consider myself decently knowledgeable about Shakespeare, but this was an eye-opening read on many levels. It is also an easy read, well organized, good illustrations, and the whole thing is written with good humor.
I'm glad to have it on my shelf. It has opened up several new outlooks for me.
I consider myself decently knowledgeable about Shakespeare, but this was an eye-opening read on many levels. It is also an easy read, well organized, good illustrations, and the whole thing is written with good humor.
I'm glad to have it on my shelf. It has opened up several new outlooks for me.
July 6, 2016
Going into this book, my exposure to Shakespeare mainly consisted of reading Romeo and Juliet in high school and watching my daughter's fifth grade (very condensed) production of The Tempest. After finishing it, I have a long list of plays and films to see and a much deeper understanding of Shakespeare's place in our collective consciousness. Epstein's artful blend of history, popular culture, academia, and humor made for a thoroughly enjoyable read. I definitely see myself revisiting this guide as I continue to explore more of the Bard's works.
August 25, 2018
A tome that stands apart from other resources about Shakespeare in that Epstein combines fact, trivia, commentary, and quotes in a such a winning format that is indeed a friendly encounter. While it’s 550 pages may seem daunting, the best approach is to flip through it, reading sections of interest. Since most, if not all of Shakespeare is interesting to me, I read more than flipped.
I disagree with the author that Julius Caesar didn’t deserve a chapter, and the book series needs updating since so much more amazing Shakespeare adaptations, news, and information has happened since 1993.
I disagree with the author that Julius Caesar didn’t deserve a chapter, and the book series needs updating since so much more amazing Shakespeare adaptations, news, and information has happened since 1993.
December 31, 2007
This is one of THE best books about shakespeare. Wonderfully irrelevant, she also makes (most) of the plays accessible. I would use it as a textbook for an intro to shakespeare course, truth be told. I have read (and re-read) this book cover to cover, and honestly it has inspired me to read more Shakespeare than I ever would.
August 2, 2011
Everyone with the slightest interest in Shakespeare, whether s/he be a performer, director, or audience member should own this book and peruse it just before auditioning, directing, or viewing any of the Bard's works. Funny, accessible, real, and entertaining. I get lost in this book on a regular basis.
August 9, 2015
Good information. Easy to read. Not approriate for younger kids. I don't think I'd even let my teen read it. It gets into some social issues that Shakespeare supposedly put in his plays. I don't want that tainting my kids view of Shakespeare. Let them learn to love him for his masterful language first.
December 12, 2008
I don't know why, this book just amuses me so much.
I pull it down every now and again from my bookcase just to thumb through the plays and the trivia behind them.
Ms. Epstein clearly loves what she writes about, and has a lot of fun in the process.
Go read it! :)
I pull it down every now and again from my bookcase just to thumb through the plays and the trivia behind them.
Ms. Epstein clearly loves what she writes about, and has a lot of fun in the process.
Go read it! :)
May 21, 2016
A very pleasant collection of items ranging from brief synopsis of each play to a long list of films available and pros and cons about who is Shakespeare and how important is he. Well worth checking out for those sections that appeal to you.
October 3, 2016
Very informative text on Shakespeare's work, his life, his image, and his legacy. Got its point across without being dry or inaccessible. My only problem was that the author occasionally let her own opinions bleed through just a little too much. Well worth the read!
September 20, 2009
An excellent resource and companion piece to Shakespeare's plays. Offers insights into the plays themselves, the life of "the bard," controversies, and plenty of good humor.
June 24, 2008
This book is a great resource book. It has helped me over the past few years with teaching Shakespeare. It is filled with information about Shakespeare's life and all the plays.
July 25, 2008
Tamara, you have listed so many Shakespeare plays, this book is a great companion to reading those. You will find it terrific!
Currently reading
July 30, 2008Fun, educational, and very interesting read.
February 2, 2010
Lots of trivial (in a good sense of the word) material presented in an easy manner. Recommended as a good overview for the curious.
February 21, 2010
It had lots of interesting facts and great insight into Shakespeare's major plays (and some of the minor ones as well, if there is such a thing).
May 18, 2010
It was just plain dumb. Very disappointing.
September 11, 2013
This book is well titled. It is the perfect thing for anyone intimidated by the Bard. And it's very funny.
July 14, 2010
Nothing new, but amusing and quickly readable. A good bathroom Shakespeare book, and who would've thought that could happen?
November 7, 2011
This was a fine introduction.
June 10, 2014
Excellent guide to Shakespeare and his plays, great reference to have on your shelf.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews