Shakespeare Basics for Grown-Ups - by E Foley & B Coates (Paperback)

About the Book

Previously published: London: Square Peg, 2014, under title: Shakespeare for grown-ups.

Book Synopsis

An essential guide to Shakespeare, from the international bestselling authors of Homework for Grown-Ups

The Bard was so incredibly prolific that even most Shakespeare scholars would welcome the occasional refresher course, and most of the rest of us haven't even got a clue as to what a petard actually is. Fear not, the bestselling authors of Homework for Grown-Ups are here to help. For parents keen to help with their children's homework, casual theatre-goers who want to enhance their enjoyment and understanding, and the general reader who feels they should probably know more, Shakespeare Basics for Grown-Ups includes information on the key works, historical context, contemporaries and influences, famous speeches and quotations, modern day adaptations, and much, much more.

Review Quotes

"An obvious candidate to take to a desert island, along with Shakespeare and the Bible."--Daily Telegraph

"This fascinating and fun volume delves into all things Shakespeare and will appeal to novices and experts alike... light, accessible, and engaging... Included in this book are synopses of all of Shakespeare's works and his life and times, key influences, language and style, controversies, and famous quotations. The authors also include modern-day adaptations of Shakespeare's works and endless related miscellanea... An entertaining and highly informative read, this is essential for students and scholars, theatergoers wanting to familiarize themselves with a particular work, and general readers who are simply curious about one of the most famous and influential playwrights of all time."--Library Journal

"A good overview, with historical context, coverage of each play and brief rebuttals to the various theories suggesting that the guy from Stratford named William Shakespeare isn't the author of the plays."--Iowa City Press-Citizen

About the Author

E. FOLEY and B. COATES are editors at Penguin Random House in the UK. They live in London. They are the international bestselling authors of Homework for Grown-Ups.