Preview
  • The Shakespeare Book

  • Big Ideas Simply Explained
  • By: DK
  • Narrated by: Roger May
  • Length: 16 hrs and 36 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (17 ratings)

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The Shakespeare Book

By: DK
Narrated by: Roger May
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Publisher's summary

This is the perfect study guide to the complete works of Shakespeare, covering everything from the romantic comedy of Romeo and Juliet to the tragedy Macbeth, alongside his Elizabethan history plays, sonnets, and other poems.

With detailed plot summaries and an in-depth analysis of the major characters and themes, this is a brilliant, innovative exploration of the entire canon of Shakespeare plays, sonnets, and poetry, from the comedies of Twelfth Night and As You Like It to the tragedies of Julius Caesar and Hamlet, plus lost plays and lesser known works of poetry.

Packed with witty anecdotes and memorable quotes, The Shakespeare Book, with Roger May’s narration, brings the Bard's best-loved characters and story lines to life, and explores all of his key themes and much-quoted phrases.

Whether you're a Shakespeare scholar, a student of the great Bard, or simply someone who wants to learn more, The Shakespeare Book offers a fuller appreciation of his phenomenal talent and the lasting legacy of his plays and poetry.

©2015 Dorling Kindersley Ltd (P)2019 DK Audio
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Critic reviews

"Generous helpings of illustrations, time lines, plot diagrams, and character guides ensure that even readers in their 'salad days' will enjoy every dish at the Shakespearean feast." (Booklist)

"In this latest addition to the series, the Bard comes alive for young aficionados." (School Library Journal)

"Countless volumes have been written about William Shakespeare and his work, but here is a single volume that has organized his plays (and some of his sonnets) in exactly what the subtitle says: 'Big Ideas Simply Explained…a must-have.'" (VOYA magazine)

What listeners say about The Shakespeare Book

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Not a great listen

This is so full of information but it’s not something that very enjoyable to listen to.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

It is 16 hours well spent

It is a convenient and basic review of all barb ‘s life output from drama, to poetry. I appreciated the author casted and compared impacts and shadows for the past centuries

I recommended this on who is interested in Shakespeare yet donot have time and commitment to go through million words of Elizabethan English.

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4 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Love Shakespeare, BUT…

this series of synopsis’s is just a little too…Cliff Note-ish…too long endure. There are far superior renditions of Shakespeare’s plays read concurrent with an explanation… And at the end the entire play is performed without any editorializing… I would suggest that option o either the Shakespeare neophyte or a devoted fan just wanting to revisit the Bard.

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9 people found this helpful