Whether the fault of tedious teachers or hammy actors, Shakespeare is often seen as dry and impenetrable. In this fast-paced introduction, Ros King sets out to remind us of the sheer beauty and sophistication that can make Shakespeare's works a joy for any audience. Exploring his invention, wit, along with his uncanny characterisation, King argues archaic language should be no barrier to the modern reader. With summaries of The Bard's life and background, explanations of the plays' origins, and instructions on how to read his poetry, Shakespeare: A Beginner's Guide provides all the tools the general reader needs to embrace our greatest writer.

About The Author

Ros King

Ros King is Professor of English at the University of Southampton, UK. A textual editor as well as musician and theatre director, she is a specialist on Shakespeare and performance.

Product Details

Publisher: Oneworld Publications (April 1, 2011)
Length: 208 pages
ISBN13: 9781851687893

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Raves and Reviews

Ros King has produced a superb introduction, not just to Shakespeare's skill and significance but to the rich playfulness in which his works engage us. This is a beginner's guide from which most experts could learn a great deal too.

– Michael Dobson - Professor of Shakespeare Studies at Birkbeck and edited 'The Oxford Companion to Sh

I love this book… infinitely accressible… A fantastic introduction to students of Shakespeare, at the same time a fun and delicious refreshing course for actors, directors, and scholars working on Shakespeare's plays… King is a breath of fresh air.

– Danny Scheie - Actor, director, and Professor of Drama at the University of California Santa Cruz.