Learn More about the Book
The extended second edition of this inspiring introduction to Shakespeare offers readers more insights into what makes Shakespeare great, and why we still read and perform his works.
- A highly innovative introduction to the extraordinary phenomenon of Shakespeare
- Explores Shakespeares works through the "Seven Ages of Man," from childhood to "second childishness and mere oblivion"
- Now includes more material on fathers and sons, the perils of courtship, the circumstances of Shakespeares own life, the performance history of his plays on stage and on screen, and more
- A new final chapter on "Shakespeare Today" looks at the remarkable diversity of interpretations in modern criticism and performance of Shakespeare
- Discusses a wide range of plays and poems
- Suitable for both non-specialist readers, and scholars seeking a fresh approach to the study of Shakespeare
On the Back Cover
What makes Shakespeare great? Why do we still read and perform his works? In this deft and witty introduction, David Bevington argues that Shakespeare continues to live among us today because his representations of the human condition are believable, endearing, and touchingly human. The book is structured around Shakespeare's immortalizing of the arc of human life from infancy and childhood to adulthood, advancing age, and eventual death, as set out by Jaques in the 'Seven Ages of Man' speech from As You Like It.
For this extended second edition, the author has added more material on fathers and sons, the perils of courtship, the circumstances of Shakespeare's own life, the performance history of his plays on stage and on screen, his delicate representation of gender relations, and more. In a new final chapter on Shakespeare Today, he looks at the remarkable diversity of interpretations in modern criticism and performance of Shakespeare as a key to his 'infinite variety', and his ability to adapt to a changing world.
Review Quotes
1. "David Bevington’s knowledge of Shakespeare is formidable. In this wonderful new book, Bevington uses the “seven ages of man” speech from As You Like It to weave together Shakespeare’s plays and poems with what is known of Shakespeare’s life."
"Barbara Mowat, Folger Shakespeare Institute" "[of the first edition]<!--end-->
"This is a book from […] one of the great Shakespeare scholars of his generation. The book is well-written, at once lively and learned, engaging and informative. It is perfectly designed to help non-specialist readers enjoy Shakespeare's plays better and yet it is also rich with insights that will challenge the specialist reader." "David Scott Kastan, Columbia University "[of the first edition]
"Recommended for all public and academic libraries in need of fresh introductory materials on Shakespeare."
"Library Journal "[of the first edition]
"Essential. A must for lower- and upper-division undergraduat
2. "David Bevington's knowledge of Shakespeare is formidable. In this wonderful new book, Bevington uses the "seven ages of man" speech from As You Like It to weave together Shakespeare's plays and poems with what is known of Shakespeare's life."
Barbara Mowat, Folger Shakespeare Institute [of the first edition]
"This is a book from [...] one of the great Shakespeare scholars of his generation. The book is well-written, at once lively and learned, engaging and informative. It is perfectly designed to help non-specialist readers enjoy Shakespeare's plays better and yet it is also rich with insights that will challenge the specialist reader." David Scott Kastan, Columbia University [of the first edition]
"Recommended for all public and academic libraries in need of fresh introductory materials on Shakespeare."
Library Journal [of the first edition]
"Essential. A must for lower- and upper-division undergraduates; a pleasure for graduate students through faculty and for general readers."
Choice [of the first edition]
"[This book] is sensible and persuasive in its linking of criticism and biography. Its primary audience is students, who will find the treatments of individual plays excellent as stand-alone studies as well as part of a larger argument."
English Association Journal for Teachers of English
"Objective and personal, too, the book is likely to be useful for long to come"
Notes and Queries
