A Midsummer Night's Dream
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
“THE COURSE OF TRUE LOVE NEVER DID RUN SMOOTH,” complains Lysander, little realising how right he is about to be proved. A fusion of classic Shakespeare with manga visuals, this is a cutting-edge adaptation about four young Athenian lovers and a troupe of amateur actors. Frustrated by modern-day Athens’ enduring restrictions and hierarchies, the lovers find their hearts’ desire in an enchantedmoonlit forest, home to mischievous fairies and spirits. Chaos reigns as jealousy and a powerful love potion combine, plunging all of the characters into romantic turmoil.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is part of Manga Shakespeare, a series of graphic novel adaptations of William Shakespeare's plays. Drawing inspiration from trend-setting Japan and using Shakespeare's original texts, this series – edited by Richard Appignanesi and illustrated by leading manga artists – brings to life the great Bard's words for students, Shakespeare enthusiasts and manga fans.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Coville follows up his version of The Tempest (see p. 84) with a retelling of another of Shakespeare's most popular plays. The fundamental story of magic, mischief and the trials and tribulations of love is preserved through well-chosen use of the original language and Coville's heady prose ("The queen... saw the ass-headed monstrosity through magic-drenched eyes"). Major plot lines are clearly and concisely rendered, but it is the portrayal of the various levels of humor-from Bottom's buffoonery to Puck's gleeful magic-making-that really captures the essence of the play. Nolan's (Dinosaur Dream) sumptuous, painterly watercolors highlight the theatrical setting of the spellbound wood. Gnarled, mossy trees provide the backdrop for a cast of unusually youthful lovers, gossamer-winged fairies (which nod at Rackham's famous interpretations) and a truly puckish Puck. A first-rate entree to the Bard. Ages 7-up.
