Shakespeare by Bill Bryson

[Janet]

 

Shakespeare by Bill Bryson

 

The 'Blurb'

Examining centuries of myths, half-truths and downright lies, Bill Bryson tries to make sense of the man behind the masterpieces. In a journey through the streets of Shakespeare's time, he brings to life the hubbub of Elizabethan England and a host of characters along the way. Bryson celebrates the glory of Shakespeare's language - his ceaseless inventiveness gave us hundreds of now indispensable phrases, images and words - and delights in details of his fall-outs and folios, poetry and plays.

 

Stitching together information from a vast array of sources, he has created a unique celebration of one of the most significant, and least understood, figures in history - not to mention a classic piece of Bryson.

 

As someone who has only 'discovered' Shakespeare in her 40s, I think this book is the perfect introduction to him and his life.

 

I didn't really know an awful lot about Shakespeare apart from the fact that he died on St George's day, and that this date is popularly given as his birth date too. This is taken from the Christening records which show he was baptised on 26th April. It was usual for babies to be baptised within a few days of birth due to high infant mortality rates. Oh, and obviously I knew he was the Bard from Stratford-upon-Avon, but there my knowledge ended!

 

This book also contains interesting facts about the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods of history, all told with Bryson's trademark wry humour, albeit that it's not as funny as some of his other offerings. I certainly wouldn't recommend it to anyone know knows Shakespeare's life well, but to a novice, it's definitely a great place to start.

[~Andrea~]

I read this earlier in the year and enjoyed it. His discussion of Shakespeare 'conspiracy theories' was particularly interesting. I'm glad the voice of reason prevailed.

[Renniemist]

Janet I have asked you about this book on your blog and now I feel silly having just discovered this thread. Sorry!

 

My only excuse is that I am finding it hard to keep up to date with the postings nowadays.

 

Thanks for the good reveiw. I hope to read this soon.

[Janet]

It's fine - I like getting comments on my blog! I should probably provide a link when I review.

[scottishbookworm]

I bought my brother-in-law this title and he said it's the best bill bryson book he's read as he's a bill bryson fan.

 

I bought it for him as it was his birthday and on that day we were Jetting off to Salou.

 

We as in Me my mum my sister my niece and of course my brother-in-law

[Weave]

Great review Janet, I have this in my TBR pile