This exquisitely illustrated edition of Bill Brysons best-selling biography of William Shakespeare takes the reader on an enthralling journey through Elizabethan England & the eccentricities of Shakespearean scholarship. Bill Brysons biography of William Shakespeare pairs the most celebrated playwright in history with one of the most popular writers in the English language today. In this exquisitely illustrated new edition the age of Shakespeare is vividly evoked through full-colour paintings portraits documents & photographs. 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 worlds 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. Taking us on a journey through the streets of Elizabethan & Jacobean England Bryson examines centuries of myths half-truths & downright lies surrounding our greatest dramatist. With a steady hand & his trademark wit he introduces a host of engaging characters as he celebrates the magic of Shakespeares language & delights in details of the bards life folios poetry & plays. An updated preface
Includes:: the recent discoveries of the Cobbe portrait & Londons first purpose-built theatre in Shoreditch. Shakespeare: The Illustrated Edition is captivating & colourful as Bryson brings the legend into focus with unmatched clarity & amusement. Sonnets (audio CD) Selected & read by Sir John Gielgud these personal & initimate poems were recorded over a period of six months on two continents a few at a time. They are magnificently sensitive readings by the most memorable interpreter of Shakespeare in our time. The text follows the original quarto of 1609.