Shakespeare A to Z - The Essential Reference to His Plays, His Poems, His Life and Times, and More | Date: 27 April 2011, 07:02
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Easily the most respected, revered, and researched author of all time, William Shakespeare and his works have forever changed the face of literature, inspiring playful discussion and heated debate for hundreds of years. He wrote such well-known plays as Hamplet, Romeo and Juliet, and A Midsummer Night's Dream, published more than 150 sonnets, and coined more than 1,500 new words. While much of his life remains a mystery, this engrossing reference examines all facets of Shakespeare and his writings. An essential two-volume resource for the study of this literary giant, Critical Companion to William Shakespeare contains more than 3,000 engaging entries, making it an authoritative reference to virtually everything one needs to know about the Bard and his works.
From Booklist
This revised edition of Shakespeare A to Z: An Essential Guide to His Life and Work (1990), also written by Boyce, has more than 3,000 entries. Like the earlier work, it covers all aspects of Shakespeare and his writings. In place of a single alphabetical arrangement, however, readers will find content organized into several sections. The new arrangement puts Shakespeare's works at center stage and casts the related topics in a supporting role
Part 1, the briefest section at just 7 pages, has biographical material. Part 2, the longest section, covers all known works. The plays are given extended treatment that averages just over 20 pages. A scene-by-scene synopsis is followed by commentary and discussion of the play's sources, text, and performance history. Subentries identify and discuss all the characters, both major (Romeo) and minor (Serving-man). This is a useful revision; character entries are scattered throughout Shakespeare A to Z, depending on their place in the alphabet. Edward III is covered, since recent scholarship based on statistical analysis of Shakespeare's imagery and language suggests that Shakespeare collaborated on its writing. The commentary that Boyce provides on Edward III and on other plays provides interesting context as well as critical analysis and will add to the students' understanding of the works.
In Part 3, generally brief entries cover places both in Shakespeare's works and life; events; sources and influences; historical figures; family, friends, and associates; theaters and acting companies; allusions; literary terms; actors ranging from Shakespeare's contemporaries to Kenneth Branagh and Judi Dench; and more. Appendixes include a selection of quotations from Shakespeare, arranged by work; a spotty time line; a four-page list of selected reading; and a list of "Contents by Category." Because of the set's arrangement, readers must refer from "Contents by Category" to the index to find the exact location of an entry. Most of the few black-and-white illustrations are stills from films.
Students will appreciate having all the content specific to each work assembled in one place in these volumes. This Critical Companion is a good choice for public, high-school, and undergraduate libraries. Mary Ellen Quinn
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