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Shakespeare

The World as a Stage
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( 48,357 ratings, 3,946 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Shakespeare by Bill Bryson is a concise exploration of the life and times of William Shakespeare. Bryson delves into the limited facts about the playwright's life, complemented by historical context and sharp wit. This biography provides a fascinating glimpse into both Shakespeare's era and the enigmatic character behind the legendary works.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are fascinated by the mysteries of Shakespeare's life and are intrigued by Bill Bryson's trademark wit and accessible writing style. It offers a lively exploration of what we know and don't know about the legendary playwright, making it a delightful read for those interested in both literature and history.

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Bill Bryson’s biography of William Shakespeare unravels the superstitions, academic discoveries and myths surrounding the life of our greatest poet and playwright.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Bill Bryson’s biography of William Shakespeare unravels the superstitions, academic discoveries, and myths surrounding the life of our greatest poet and playwright.

Ever since he took the theatre of Elizabethan London by storm over 400 years ago, Shakespeare has remained centre stage. His fame stems not only from his plays—performed everywhere from school halls to the world's most illustrious theatres—but also from his enigmatic persona. His face is familiar to all, yet in reality, very little is known about the man behind the masterpieces.

Shakespeare’s life, despite the scrutiny of generations of biographers and scholars, is still a thicket of myths and traditions, some preposterous, some conflicting, arranged around the few scant facts known about the Bard—from his birth in Stratford to the bequest of his second best bed to his wife when he died.

Taking us on a journey through the streets of Elizabethan and Jacobean England, Bryson examines centuries of stories, half-truths, and downright lies surrounding our greatest dramatist. With a steady hand and his trademark wit, he introduces a host of engaging characters, as he celebrates the magic of Shakespeare's language and delights in details of the bard's life, folios, poetry, and plays.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The biography by Bill Bryson provides a humorous and insightful glimpse into the world of Shakespeare, praised for its ability to illuminate Elizabethan details with wit. It's described as an engaging book that captures the elusiveness of Shakespeare while presenting a charming take on his life and times. Readers appreciate Bryson's accessible style and light touch, making it a great introduction for those encountering Shakespeare for the first time. His humour and sensible scholarship make this an enjoyable and informative read.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780008610043

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 13 April 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: William Collins

Edition: Collins Modern Classics edition

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 14.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 160g

Pages: 224

About the Author

Bill Bryson's many books include, most recently ‘The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid’ as well as ‘A Short History of Nearly Everything‘, ‘I'm a Stranger Here Myself’, ‘A walk in the Woods’, ‘Neither Here Nor There’, ‘Made in America’, and ‘Notes from a Small Island’. He edited ‘The Best American Travel Writing 2000’. Born in Des Moines, he now lives in Norfolk with his wife and four children.

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