Simply Shakespeare

Sort of useful in a sophomoric way. Written in a hurry to make money, is my guess. Needs complete revision, good editing and good customer evaluation prior to publication

I got the book in time and the condition of it was better than what I expected. The cover is a little worn but what else do you expect from a used textbook. The condition of the book is way better than what I have seen on some used textbook being sold here at my schools bookstore so thanks!!!

Excellent condition

This book tackles the problem of how to help a modern reader to better understand and appreciate William Shakespeare's plays, which were written in England during the period circa 1589-1613 A.D. The author succeeds by providing an engaging and informative discussion that offers observations, insights, and suggestions on how a modern reader can better read, understand, and appreciate Shakespeare's plays.The author does not simply provide a synopsis or description of each Shakespearean play. Rather, the author:(1) makes interesting suggestions on how to read Shakespeare's plays for better understanding;(2) reviews Shakespeare's use of dramatic language to achieve different effects in his plays;(3) discusses Shakespeare's use of imagery to appeal to the physical senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell), as well as his sophisticated use of figurative language;(4) considers Shakespeare's use of traditional rhetorical devices for dramatic effect, establishing character identity, giving unity and coherence to his plays, and providing variation to add interest and avoid monotony;(5) examines Shakespeare's use of humor in the context of: (a) cultural and social attitudes in Elizabethan England; (b) Shakespeare's flexible use of humor to reach different audiences when the plays were being performed in Elizabethan England; (c) Shakespeare's use of wordplay such as puns and malapropisms; (d) Shakespeare's use of slapstick humor as a stage effect; and (e) Shakespeare's use of humor to illustrate some of life's absurdities, and to mitigate life's disappointments, sorrows and tragedies;(6) identifies and describes the different genres of Shakespeare's plays;(7) explains how Shakespeare used various techniques of stagecraft to deal with the physical limits of the theater stage, the theatrical conventions of his time, and the need to maintain audience interest; and(8) takes a look at several examples of how Shakespeare's plays have been performed and interpreted in modern times on stage, on TV or in movies.On the inside of the front cover and first page of the book, there is a brief chronology of William Shakespeare's life and times. On the inside of the back cover and the last page of the book, there are: (i) a simplified family tree of the English nobility with significant roles in the War of the Roses (the subject of several Shakespearean plays), and (ii) a listing of thirty words in Shakespeare's plays that pose particular difficulties for modern readers.The book is written for readers who are not familiar with or knowledgeable about Shakespeare's plays, as well as readers who have some knowledge about and experience with those plays but who want to learn more about them. At the end of each chapter, the author includes suggested assignments for writing or discussion, and references for further reading. The book is probably too basic or introductory for anyone who has significant knowledge about or experience with Shakespeare's plays. Readers interested in a more scholarly, in-depth look at Shakespeare's use of language should take a look at Sister Miriam Joseph,  Shakespeare's Use of the Arts of Language  (Paul Dry Books, 2008).

This is a fast, enjoyable read to learn what you don't know or can't remember about Shakespeare's craft. Relying heavily on specific examples, Widdicombe covers all the bases in a conversational mode. Wit and current references keep his voice immediate and accessible. Still his pages are packed with detailed information and explanations. While he leans heavily on Hamlet, Othello, the Henry plays, and Lear, he makes enough references to the others, with the exception of Romeo and Juliet, to be useful to all students and instructors.

Great begineer book for those just being introduced to Shakespeare. It is small and unassuming, yet packed with Shakespearan info.

It's fine, just a little bit... obvious. Everything is dumbed down so that everyone may understand it, I guess.