The Tempest
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
“WE ARE SUCH STUFF AS DREAMS ARE MADE ON,” proclaims Prospero, the sorcerer. Robbed of his dukedom, he is marooned on a wild island with his daughter Miranda. After years in exile, he conjures a storm that shipwrecks his usurping brother and political enemies. A fusion of the original Shakespeare with manga visuals, this is a cutting-edge adaptation set after the energy crisis of the 21st century has plunged mankind into a second Dark Age. Those who keep technology alive are “sorcerers”. Prospero’s “magic” reveals stories of love too easily won, freedom from slavery and a royal power struggle.
The Tempest is part of Manga Shakespeare, a series of graphic novel adaptations of William Shakespeare’s plays. Drawing inspiration from 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
Prospero-like in their artistry, Spirin's dazzling watercolors dominate this retelling of Shakespeare's final play. Shaped like altar panels fit for a Renaissance church or palace, the illustrations are romantic, regal and magical, richly interpreting the play's themes of betrayal, revenge and all-conquering love. A wispy ethereal air pervades island scenes, beautifully suggesting the atmosphere of enchantment, while Antonio and the King of Naples are pictured in brocade and velvet, the stench of power upon them. The other characters, too, are both otherworldly and very much flesh and blood. Especially well rendered is the monster Caliban, shown here as part man, part beast, part mythical creature, a sense of evil glee lighting his features. While this prose adaptation does not, of course, retain the full magic of the Bard's work, Beneduce nonetheless provides an intelligent, gripping story. Several passages from Shakespeare introduced at key points give a taste of the original. Symbols and small pictures integrated into the text further enhance the lavish presentation. All ages.
