Overview

This book's unique format makes it a versatile companion for a wide range of readers from the novice to the expert. The book is centered on 100 of Shakespeare's greatest dramatic images - at least one taken from each of his plays. They deal with the enduring subjects of poetry - love, loss, loveliness, folly, injustice - in voices which range from witty to tender, from indignant to resigned. ""Shakespeare's 100 Greatest Dramatic Images"" opens with a series of word games that anyone can play - individually or in a group - that introduce the reader to the selected images. These images are then placed within the context of the plays themselves in a short essay - one for each of the 37 plays.Where appropriate, historical and theatrical perspectives, as well as modern interpretations and controversies, are explored. This book can be dipped into at random, taken a section at a time, or read from start to finish as a short but original introduction to some of the English language's richest prose and poetry. The Saunders have created a Website that includes images chosen by a variety of Shakespeare enthusiasts and performers - some famous, AS Byatt, Dame Judi Dench, Patrick Garland, etc - and have invited the public to add to the collection.

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9788895604015

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Reviews

I can think of no livelier introduction to Shakespeare and his work, and no greater indulgence for dedicated lovers of the plays. Claire and John Saunders lift up exquisite image after image, like morsels from a feast, and in doing so, uncover for us the world of each play -- its tensions, its richness and, always, its elementally human concerns. Their short discussions are deft, elegant and highly readable. The word-games are witty and expert. Like the very best scholars, they wear their impressive knowledge lightly. Dabble, dip in or devour in a sitting. Shakespeare's 100 Greatest Dramatic Images is a rare treat. Alison MacLeod, author of The Wave Theory of Angels and Fifteen Modern Tales of Attraction Amazing achievementA...captures the very best in Shakespeare's language. Hugh Adlington, Lecturer in English, Birmingham University, UK. A teach-yourself Shakespeare for grown upsA...along the same lines as Lynne Truss's Eats, Shoots & Leaves. Like punctuation, Shakespeare is one of those areas where many adults lack confidence. Linda Cookson, Vice-principal, Central School of Speech and Drama, London Beautifully and accessibly writtenA...an absolute delight had me enthralled for daysA...attempts to do for Shakespeare what Lynne Truss did for Fowler. Len Masterman, Senior Research Fellow in Communication and Politics, Liverpool University.

""I can think of no livelier introduction to Shakespeare and his work, and no greater indulgence for dedicated lovers of the plays. Claire and John Saunders lift up exquisite image after image, like morsels from a feast, and in doing so, uncover for us the world of each play -- its tensions, its richness and, always, its elementally human concerns. Their short discussions are deft, elegant and highly readable. The word-games are witty and expert. Like the very best scholars, they wear their impressive knowledge lightly. Dabble, dip in or devour in a sitting. Shakespeare's 100 Greatest Dramatic Images is a rare treat."" Alison MacLeod, author of The Wave Theory of Angels and Fifteen Modern Tales of Attraction""Amazing achievementA...captures the very best in Shakespeare's language."" Hugh Adlington, Lecturer in English, Birmingham University, UK.""A teach-yourself Shakespeare for grown upsA...along the same lines as Lynne Truss's Eats, Shoots & Leaves. Like punctuation, Shakespeare is one of those areas where many adults lack confidence."" Linda Cookson, Vice-principal, Central School of Speech and Drama, London""Beautifully and accessibly writtenA...an absolute delight had me enthralled for daysA...attempts to do for Shakespeare what Lynne Truss did for Fowler."" Len Masterman, Senior Research Fellow in Communication and Politics, Liverpool University.

Author Information

Both Claire and John Saunders have designed and taught innovative Shakespeare courses, from primary school to university level. They have published individually on a range of literary subjects, from Chaucer to Larkin, and have previously collaborated on an edition of The Duchess of Malfi and So You Think You Know Shakespeare?

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