The Little Book of Shakespeare

'He was "not of an age, but for all time".' (Shakespeare's contemporary Ben Jonson) No writer, before or since, has matched Shakespeare in terms of influence, critical acclaim or popular success. His genius lay in his sheer dramatic skill, his powerful use of imagery and his astonishing ability to create richly imagined characters. Packed full of the Bard's clever insights, witty asides and timeless nuggets of wisdom, and complemented by fascinating facts about his life and talents, this Little Book showcases some of the most remarkable lines ever crafted in the English language. SAMPLE QUOTES: 'What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other word would smell as sweet.' - Romeo and Juliet , Act 2, Scene 2 'We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep.' - The Tempest , Act 4, Scene 1 'Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once.' - Julius Caesar , Act 2, Scene 2 SAMPLE FACT: There is evidence that Shakespeare wrote a play called Cardenio , which was performed by the King's Men in 1613. No known copy of the play exists today.

The Little Shakespeare Book is the perfect primer to the works of William Shakespeare, packed with witty illustrations and inspirational quotes, now in a handy compact size. This bold book covers every work, from the comedies of Twelfth Night and As You Like It to the tragedies of Julius Caesar and Hamlet, plus lost plays and less well-known works of poetry. Easy-to-understand graphics and illustrations bring the themes, plots, characters and language of Shakespeare to life, including illustrated timelines which offer an at-a-glance summary of the action for each play. 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. Whether you're a Shakespeare scholar or a student of the great Bard, The Little Book of Shakespeare Book offers a fuller appreciation of his phenomenal talent and lasting legacy.