Shakespeare

Written by:
Peter Ackroyd
Narrated by:
Simon Vance

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
15
Narrator
1
Release Date
November 2005
Duration
19 hours 12 minutes
Summary
This is the big one from Peter Ackroyd — and a worthy companion to London: The Biography.

Only Peter Ackroyd can combine readable narrative and unique observation with a sharp eye for the fascinating fact. His method is to position Shakespeare in the close context of his world. In this way, he not only richly conjures up the texture of Shakespeare’s life, but also imparts an amazing amount of vivid, interesting material about place, period and background.

Some snippets: Shakespeare was secretly a Roman Catholic; the witches in Macbeth were not hags but nymphs played by boys; the “best” bed was for guests which was why he bequeathed his wife his “second best” bed (the matrimonial bed in which he probably died); “ham acting” derives from the strutting walk which showed off the ham-strings; an actor called “Will” played female parts — could it have been Shakespeare himself? And, the strongest bond in the plays is between father and daughter, perhaps reflecting Shakespeare’s own family life.
Reviews
Profile Avatar
Anonymous

I'm not particularly well-read in Shakespeare so I wanted to try this book to learn more about the man and his writings. Was I ever pleased!! The book is exceptionally good for two reasons. The author has written an interesting account of Shakespeare's life and his writings that kept my interest for the book's many CDs. In addition, the narrator is among the best I've heard. You can easily tell when he is quoting someone else. He is easy to listen to for hours. I recommend this book, even if you aren't a devotee of Shakespeare.

Profile Avatar
Paul C.

This is one of the best audiobooks I've listened to. The narration is perfect. The writing is exquisite. They are a.perdwct match. The depth the author goes into is perfectly measured. You are not drowned in historical detail, but supplied with enough color and information to aid in the understanding of the choices and reasons Shakespeare made in writing his plays and carrying out his business. If you're going to buy one book on Shakespeare, this is the one to buy.:

1 book added to cart
Subtotal
$24.98
View Cart