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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
As a huge fan of Shakespeare, I adored this. Concise, yet so beautifully written, setting an almost intimate scene of Shakespeare’s life (and death). Full of all the mystery surrounding one of history’s most influential artists, Bryson brings Shakespeare to life.
What I learned from this book is that we really don't know much about William Shakespeare at all. The facsinating bits are really those about life in general in Elizabethan and Jacobean times. I amused my colleagues reading out the descriptions of King James I at least. Enjoyable book, but don't expect any revelations.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
An interesting and succinct look at the life of Shakespeare. It fully acknowledges the lack of facts from the period, and paints a picture of what it is believed to have been like at that time in history. I particularly enjoyed the section about Shakespeare's identity.
Bryson narrates his work well and clearly. He kept my attention throughout. Would recommend.
Bryson narrates his work well and clearly. He kept my attention throughout. Would recommend.
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
funny
informative
relaxing
medium-paced
Listened to the audiobook read by the author. Short and fascinating. Will certainly re-read/re-listen in the future.
Recommended for anyone who likes knowing how much we don’t know about The Bard.
Originally Posted on Shot Glass Literature: https://shotglasslit.wordpress.com/
If there’s anyone I want to guide me through the mysterious void of Shakespeare’s personal life, it’s Bill Bryson, native Iowan. I’m not being facetious – I like Bryson. So yes, I jumped on this odd little biography of perhaps the most famous man we know nothing about. Almost everything we do know about Will Shakespeare comes from… Guesswork? Thin air? Whatever we can deduce from reading his plays and sonnets? The dude’s a complete enigma, honestly. Because of that “poverty of information,” any Shakespeare “biography” should be doomed to fail, but The World as Stage is really worthwhile if you have any interest in Will, Bill or 16th century London. I didn’t learn much new about Shakespeare the man (because of the lack of facts, not a lack of research on Bryson’s part), but I did gain new insight into Shakespeare’s London and his contemporaries. I also learned interesting things about King James I (hint: it involves jelly!), so that was an added bonus. This is a fast, engaging and super-fun read. My only complaint is that the book lacks an index or any clear order to help a reader find specific information. But Bryson has the funducational market down pat, so if you’re just looking for an intelligent good time, The World as Stage is a treat.
Originally Posted on Shot Glass Literature: https://shotglasslit.wordpress.com/
If there’s anyone I want to guide me through the mysterious void of Shakespeare’s personal life, it’s Bill Bryson, native Iowan. I’m not being facetious – I like Bryson. So yes, I jumped on this odd little biography of perhaps the most famous man we know nothing about. Almost everything we do know about Will Shakespeare comes from… Guesswork? Thin air? Whatever we can deduce from reading his plays and sonnets? The dude’s a complete enigma, honestly. Because of that “poverty of information,” any Shakespeare “biography” should be doomed to fail, but The World as Stage is really worthwhile if you have any interest in Will, Bill or 16th century London. I didn’t learn much new about Shakespeare the man (because of the lack of facts, not a lack of research on Bryson’s part), but I did gain new insight into Shakespeare’s London and his contemporaries. I also learned interesting things about King James I (hint: it involves jelly!), so that was an added bonus. This is a fast, engaging and super-fun read. My only complaint is that the book lacks an index or any clear order to help a reader find specific information. But Bryson has the funducational market down pat, so if you’re just looking for an intelligent good time, The World as Stage is a treat.
informative
medium-paced