What famous essayist insisted that Shakespeare's plays were unfit for performance? Which two plays center on the Hundred Years' War? In which scene of Romeo and Juliet does the Nurse report--falsely--that Juliet is dead and thus seal Romeo's tragic fate?
The answers are easily found in this book, the only single-volume reference to virtually everything one needs--or wants--to know about the Bard. Wonderfully informative, this comprehensive work includes 3,000 entries and 50 illustrations covering such topics as: Every play, including scene-by-scene synopses, critical commentary, sources, textual commentary, and theatrical history. Every character, from Aaron to Young Talbot, including those without speaking parts. The poems, including the sonnets and long works in verse. Actors, producers, and directors, including William Kempe, Charles Laughton, Sarah Bernhardt, Sir Laurence Olivier, and others who have brought plays and characters to life over the centuries. Places, real and imaginary, important to Shakespeare's life and works. Theatrical and literary terms that relate to the plays and poetry. Contemporaries of Shakespeare, including family members, friends and colleagues, patrons, and historical figures. Authors, scholars, and publishers of Shakespeare's works, critical studies, and histories--and much more, all in easily accessible encyclopedic format.
