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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
I've enjoyed previous books by Bill Bryson, and this proved no exception. His survey of Will Shakespeare's life (what little we know of it) was nicely balanced, with numerous comments reminding the reader not to extrapolate too far from the little factual information we actually have. He also nicely does away with the "Anti-Stratford" theorists, those who insist the Shakespeare couldn't possibly have written his plays and have put forward a number of possible authors.
It's also a short book so it's not overwhelming -- truly nice balance between a dense scholarly work and a hastily dashed off book with no scholarship at all. A very enjoyable read!
It's also a short book so it's not overwhelming -- truly nice balance between a dense scholarly work and a hastily dashed off book with no scholarship at all. A very enjoyable read!
A whole book talking about how we know nothing about Skakespeare without the normal Bill Bryson wit. Need I say more?
funny
informative
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
funny
informative
relaxing
fast-paced
A great book. My edition was given to me as a graduation present from the teachers at my high school, who knew of my love of Shakespeare and that I was going to be an English Lit major in college, they all wrote great things to me in the front of the book. It is one of my most prized possessions.
funny
informative
medium-paced
Bill Bryson looks into Shakespeare's life and how little we actually know conclusively about it. Good facts about Shakespeare's plays and writing.
funny
informative
lighthearted
I am not a Shakespeare scholar. I had to read Romeo and Juliet in junior high and I've performed in a few of his comedies myself. I thoroughly enjoy well-acted Shakespeare.
So all that being said, I found this enjoyable and informative. Lots of stuff I didn't know about Shakespeare. And kind of made me want to know more. Think that's a mark of a good book.
So all that being said, I found this enjoyable and informative. Lots of stuff I didn't know about Shakespeare. And kind of made me want to know more. Think that's a mark of a good book.
Bryson did exhaustive research about the life and work of Shakespeare, illuminating little known facts for anyone other than a historian. I anticipated a lighter, more entertaining account so would recommend to those really interested in the playwright.