The Meaning of Shakespeare, Volume 1

A classic, accessible guide to the plays of Shakespeare by a legendary teacher and scholar

Centuries after they were originally performed, the plays of Shakespeare continue to inspire, entertain, and awe audiences and readers today. At the same time, however, there’s no question that even the most sophisticated reader can sometimes benefit from the insight and guidance of an expert when entering Shakespeare’s long-gone world and complicated figurative language.    William Goddard is here to help. He taught Shakespeare for decades as much-loved professor at Swarthmore College, and here he distills that experience into an accessible, engaging companion to the plays. Across two volumes, Goddard covers all of Shakespeare’s plays and brings fresh insight to familiar characters, scenes, and verses. Goddard writes, “The greatest poetry has always depicted the world as a little citadel of nobility threatened by an immense barbarism, a flickering candle surrounded by infinite night” Shakespeare’s candle still burns, and with Goddard’s help we can all see it brighter than ever.

“I believe we are nearer the beginning than the end of our understanding of Shakespeare’s genius . . . ”