A review by omgrod
Shakespeare: The World as Stage by Bill Bryson

4.0

Bill Bryson is a versatile writer who has done not only travel but also histories that are lovely bits of information usually laced with some good laughs. Since I am an historian of Tudor England, this was a fun dip back in that time period. I do wish he would continue to add the laugh out loud humor that was so forthcoming and made me a fan while reading "Notes From a Small Island," since I've read more than enough dull history in my academic career. Eddie Izzard is one who does so well pointing out the ridiculous things that happen in history. While this book did have brilliant moments of good-natured humor, there were too long stretches without a break. It made me remember that the character who said, "To thine own self be true," can actually be considered comedic or a buffoon, not a wise old sage as everyone loves to make that quote sound. In reality, how many things does it/could it really mean out of the mouth of Polonius?