bill bryson shakespeare the world as stage

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.Īn updated preface includes the recent discoveries of the Cobbe portrait and London's first purpose-built theatre in Shoreditch. Taking us on a journey through the streets of Elizabethan and Jacobean England, Bryson examines centuries of myths, half-truths and downright lies surrounding our greatest dramatist. His face is familiar to all, yet in reality very little is known about the man behind the masterpieces.

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.

In this exquisitely illustrated new edition, the age of Shakespeare is vividly evoked through full-colour paintings, portraits, documents and photographs.Įver since he took the theatre of Elizabethan London by storm over 400 years ago, Shakespeare has remained centre stage. Includes exclusive audio of Shakespeare’s sonnets, read by Sir John Gielgud.īill Bryson's biography of William Shakespeare pairs the most celebrated playwright in history with one of the most popular writers in the English language today. This exquisitely illustrated and updated edition of Bill Bryson's best-selling biography of William Shakespeare takes the reader on an enthralling journey through Elizabethan England and the eccentricities of Shakespearean scholarship.

Bill bryson shakespeare the world as stage