Overview

In partnerships with the website sonnetsofshakespeare.com, which contains video recordings of the author reciting each sonnet, The Wit and Wisdom of Shakespeare thoroughly demystifies 32 of Shakespeare’s sonnets. Each is presented and illuminated by a short Essence Statement, clarified in a Diagram for Greater Understanding, and described in a unique and entertaining narrative description. Embedded within the descriptions are tidbits of interesting information about Shakespeare, his associates, and cultural circumstances of the time—along with writing techniques and word play in which Shakespeare indulged, and observations from Shakespeare scholars.

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9781475818369

Table of Contents

Reviews

Walters examines 32 of Shakespeare's sonnets in this brief, informative investigation. As the author suggests, people are probably more familiar with Shakespeare's plays than his poetry. Each chapter discusses six or seven sonnets around a theme, such as living life's span or managing relationships. The pattern for each chapter is the same: a copy of the sonnet, a few sentences on the sonnet's essential message, a diagram of the sonnet, and two pages of commentary. In the commentary, Walters provides a brief analysis of the sonnet, some background from Shakespeare's life, and some reference to issues that may have arisen in the scholarship about Shakespeare and the individual to whom the sonnet was dedicated. This is an accessible, enlightening perspective on the poems. Readers who are new to Shakespeare's work and those who are steeped in it will enjoy this book and gain from it. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers. * CHOICE * Darrel Walters has crafted a wonderful gift for readers of Shakespeare's sonnets at every level. For the novice, a sound and reliable primer; for the experienced reader, a rich and surprising collection of insights. -- Ejner J. Jensen, professor emeritus, University of Michigan The Wit and Wisdom of Shakespeare is an entertaining primer that will be particularly valuable to students encountering the Bard for the first time. It is easy to read and navigate. Darrel Walters provides a diagram, summary, and basic explanation of each sonnet that is truly excellent. In a light, charming voice, Walters deftly works in facts, anecdotes, and scholarly quotes, which point to his own wit and wisdom. -- Thea Howey, Teacher of Shakespeare's Works, Montgomery County Community College If only this was around when I was in school, how much simpler life would have been! Condensed into neat little packages waiting to be unwrapped, Wit and Wisdom makes it easy for today's 21st century learners to tackle Shakespeare. The thematic thread woven throughout the visual and written analysis guides the reader in dissecting Shakespeare's complexity and depth, opening the reader's mind to true accessibility. -- Emily Abram, 9th Grade English Teacher, Wissahickon High School After decades of feeling challenged to fully understand and appreciate Shakespeare's masterpieces and their relevance to our time, I've been rescued by Darrel Walters' eminently readable treatise. It brings William Shakespeare and his sonnets to life, unfolds the full beauty of his language, and explains the messages of the sonnets in the context of modern culture and vernacular. It's a masterpiece in itself. -- Geoffrey Thomas, retired Corporate Executive, Greater Philadelphia Area

If only this was around when I was in school, how much simpler life would have been! Condensed into neat little packages waiting to be unwrapped, Wit and Wisdom makes it easy for today's 21st century learners to tackle Shakespeare. The thematic thread woven throughout the visual and written analysis guides the reader in dissecting Shakespeare's complexity and depth, opening the reader's mind to true accessibility. -- Emily Abram, 9th Grade English Teacher, Wissahickon High School The Wit and Wisdom of Shakespeare is an entertaining primer that will be particularly valuable to students encountering the Bard for the first time. It is easy to read and navigate. Darrel Walters provides a diagram, summary, and basic explanation of each sonnet that is truly excellent. In a light, charming voice, Walters deftly works in facts, anecdotes, and scholarly quotes, which point to his own wit and wisdom. -- Thea Howey, Teacher of Shakespeare's Works, Montgomery County Community College After decades of feeling challenged to fully understand and appreciate Shakespeare's masterpieces and their relevance to our time, I've been rescued by Darrel Walters' eminently readable treatise. It brings William Shakespeare and his sonnets to life, unfolds the full beauty of his language, and explains the messages of the sonnets in the context of modern culture and vernacular. It's a masterpiece in itself. -- Geoffrey Thomas, retired Corporate Executive, Greater Philadelphia Area

Walters examines 32 of Shakespeare's sonnets in this brief, informative investigation. As the author suggests, people are probably more familiar with Shakespeare's plays than his poetry. Each chapter discusses six or seven sonnets around a theme, such as living life's span or managing relationships. The pattern for each chapter is the same: a copy of the sonnet, a few sentences on the sonnet's essential message, a diagram of the sonnet, and two pages of commentary. In the commentary, Walters provides a brief analysis of the sonnet, some background from Shakespeare's life, and some reference to issues that may have arisen in the scholarship about Shakespeare and the individual to whom the sonnet was dedicated. This is an accessible, enlightening perspective on the poems. Readers who are new to Shakespeare's work and those who are steeped in it will enjoy this book and gain from it. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers. CHOICE Darrel Walters has crafted a wonderful gift for readers of Shakespeare's sonnets at every level. For the novice, a sound and reliable primer; for the experienced reader, a rich and surprising collection of insights. -- Ejner J. Jensen, professor emeritus, University of Michigan The Wit and Wisdom of Shakespeare is an entertaining primer that will be particularly valuable to students encountering the Bard for the first time. It is easy to read and navigate. Darrel Walters provides a diagram, summary, and basic explanation of each sonnet that is truly excellent. In a light, charming voice, Walters deftly works in facts, anecdotes, and scholarly quotes, which point to his own wit and wisdom. -- Thea Howey, Teacher of Shakespeare's Works, Montgomery County Community College If only this was around when I was in school, how much simpler life would have been! Condensed into neat little packages waiting to be unwrapped, Wit and Wisdom makes it easy for today's 21st century learners to tackle Shakespeare. The thematic thread woven throughout the visual and written analysis guides the reader in dissecting Shakespeare's complexity and depth, opening the reader's mind to true accessibility. -- Emily Abram, 9th Grade English Teacher, Wissahickon High School After decades of feeling challenged to fully understand and appreciate Shakespeare's masterpieces and their relevance to our time, I've been rescued by Darrel Walters' eminently readable treatise. It brings William Shakespeare and his sonnets to life, unfolds the full beauty of his language, and explains the messages of the sonnets in the context of modern culture and vernacular. It's a masterpiece in itself. -- Geoffrey Thomas, retired Corporate Executive, Greater Philadelphia Area

Darrel Walters has crafted a wonderful gift for readers of Shakespeare's sonnets at every level. For the novice, a sound and reliable primer; for the experienced reader, a rich and surprising collection of insights. -- Ejner J. Jensen, professor emeritus, University of Michigan The Wit and Wisdom of Shakespeare is an entertaining primer that will be particularly valuable to students encountering the Bard for the first time. It is easy to read and navigate. Darrel Walters provides a diagram, summary, and basic explanation of each sonnet that is truly excellent. In a light, charming voice, Walters deftly works in facts, anecdotes, and scholarly quotes, which point to his own wit and wisdom. -- Thea Howey, Teacher of Shakespeare's Works, Montgomery County Community College If only this was around when I was in school, how much simpler life would have been! Condensed into neat little packages waiting to be unwrapped, Wit and Wisdom makes it easy for today's 21st century learners to tackle Shakespeare. The thematic thread woven throughout the visual and written analysis guides the reader in dissecting Shakespeare's complexity and depth, opening the reader's mind to true accessibility. -- Emily Abram, 9th Grade English Teacher, Wissahickon High School After decades of feeling challenged to fully understand and appreciate Shakespeare's masterpieces and their relevance to our time, I've been rescued by Darrel Walters' eminently readable treatise. It brings William Shakespeare and his sonnets to life, unfolds the full beauty of his language, and explains the messages of the sonnets in the context of modern culture and vernacular. It's a masterpiece in itself. -- Geoffrey Thomas, retired Corporate Executive, Greater Philadelphia Area

Author Information

Darrel Walters, a former public school teacher and university professor with a Ph.D. from The University of Michigan, has published books on writing skills and assessment techniques, and written poetry for both children and adults. He presents poetry programs in various venues, and his intense interest in the sonnets of Shakespeare has prompted him to make The Sonnets eminently accessible to readers of all ages.

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