The Shakespeare Handbook

Michael Schmidt

The Shakespeare Handbook is the definitive Bard-in-brief. Presenting 50 of the most significant and best-loved scenes from Shakespeare each extract is preceded by a summary of the play - its plot characters and themes. The scenes themselves are beautifully and clearly laid out with key quotes highlighted and explained and illustrated with a famous painting drawing or still. Arranged chronologically to show the progression in Shakespeare's style and themes the seminal scenes chosen by Professor Schmidt: • range from the comedy of Bottom's head turning into that of an ass to the tragedy of Cleopatra's death; and from the wonderful love scenes of the Merchant of Venice to the bloody dealings of Richard III • Showcases the Bard's greatest dialogue from 'Must he needs die?' and 'Is this a dagger…?' to 'Once more unto the breach' and 'All the world's a stage' • Encompasses all of Shakespeare's plays from the lesser-known Cymbeline King John Titus Andronicus to the most famous scenes of all time in Romeo and Juliet King Lear Hamlet and Macbeth. This accessible guide is the easiest way to fill one of the most embarrassing and common of all gaps in a reader's knowledge.