A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare: 1599
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4.8 • 5 Ratings
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- $17.99
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- $17.99
Publisher Description
How did Shakespeare go from being a talented poet and playwright to becoming one of the greatest writers who ever lived? In this one exhilarating year we follow what he reads and writes, what he sees, and who he works with as he invests in the new Globe Theatre and creates four of his most famous plays: Henry V, Julius Caesar, As You Like It, and, most remarkably, Hamlet.
James Shapiro illuminates both Shakespeare's staggering achievement and what Elizabethans experienced in the course of 1599: sending off an army to crush an Irish rebellion; weathering an Armada threat from Spain; gambling on a fledgling East India Company; and waiting to see who will succeed their aging and childless Queen.
This book brings the news and intrigue of the times together with a wonderful evocation of how Shakespeare worked as an actor, businessman, and playwright. The result is an exceptionally immediate and gripping account of an inspiring moment in history.
This audio includes a selection of scenes from Henry V, Julius Caesar, As You Like It, and Hamlet featuring performances by Vanessa Redgrave, Paul Scofield, Ian Holm, and many more.
Customer Reviews
Indispensable
I have purchased numerous audio programs about Shakespeare and this is by far the best! I loved listening to it in my car driving home six hours after spending 5 days at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Immensely satisfying. I already have two friends who want me to loan it to them to listen to. it's so rare to get the context intertwined with the artistic in Shakespeare. This book is a triumph. Highly recommend! PS While I also bought the book, I found that listening to it was easier and will make it easier for me to read the book later. Listening to it is a very satisfying standalone experience on its own; one needn't read it in print as well (unless you want to!)
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