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atlantisblauw's review
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
Very enjoyable book. Not really a biography of Shakespeare, though. It explains how we know what we know about Shakespeare and how different biographers reached different conclusions. On top of that, you learn a little bit about the history of London and theatre.
The last chapters deal with conspiracy theories that Shakespeare was not actually Shakespeare. I really enjoyed that because I just love how creative conspiracy theorists get. I laughed out loud quite a few times, especially when Mrs Bacon believed that Francis Bacon was Shakespeare, which she 'knew' because she "absorbed atmospheres" at locations where he had spent time.
Recommended for people who enjoy Bill Bryson's books or are interested in Shakespeare, theatre or daily life around 1600.
The last chapters deal with conspiracy theories that Shakespeare was not actually Shakespeare. I really enjoyed that because I just love how creative conspiracy theorists get. I laughed out loud quite a few times, especially when Mrs Bacon believed that Francis Bacon was Shakespeare, which she 'knew' because she "absorbed atmospheres" at locations where he had spent time.
Recommended for people who enjoy Bill Bryson's books or are interested in Shakespeare, theatre or daily life around 1600.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Fire/Fire injury, Violence, and Murder
samchase112's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
A brief, informative view of Shakespeare and the time he lived in, with a heavy dose of scholarship historiography. This was highly enjoyable: detailed enough to be interesting, while concise enough to feel accessible. I wish Bryson had written more similar biographies, because they would be must-reads for me! Note: the audiobook made this an especially good read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent, Murder, Death, and Child death
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