We’ve all been through it. I don’t think you can get out of high school without it. For some it may be a struggle and for others an appreciation. What am I talking about? Why of course studying Shakespeare!Now it’s been a great many years since 12th grade English, but I can still recite parts if not all of the “Tomorrow” speech from Macbeth. Shakespeare’s words speak to all generations. Shakespeare knew just how to draw in his audiences. He wrote not only for royalty, but for the general masses. Shakespeare’s words remain timeless, pure classic.
William Shakespeare was baptized April 26, 1564 and died April 23, 1616. He was an English poet and playwright who is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist according to Wikipedia.
Shakespeare grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon and married Anne Hathaway at age 18. He had three children, a daughter, Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith. Shakespeare’s early career began in London where he worked as an actor, writer and part owner of a playing company.
Most of Shakespeare’s works were written between 1589 and 1613. He was a prolific writer who wrote both comedies and tragedies, and later in life tragicomedies commonly known as romances. He also wrote poems, sonnets and historical drama. Some of his greatest works include Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and King Lear as well other popular titles.
Although Shakespeare was well thought of during his day, his rise to greatness wasn’t until after his passing. Generations of students, scholars, writers and historians continue to study and interpret his works. His plays remain forever popular with audiences around the world.
Most Shakespeare titles in book format can be found on the shelves of the Weyenberg Library in the call number area of 822.33. Here you will find books about the person, complete works, individual plays, guides, criticism and interpretation.
If you are uncertain of where to begin your studies, it’s always best to begin with an overview of the topic. While an encyclopedia such as the World Book Encyclopedia may provide you with a good summary, you may also want to choose a simple introduction such as:
· An introduction to Shakespeare by Marchette Gaylord Chute
· Gale Research edition of Shakespeare for students
If you would like to know more about the man himself you may enjoy the following titles.
· William Shakespeare: the man behind the genius: a biography by Anthony Holden
· Shakespeare as political thinker edited by John E. Alvis and Thomas G. West
If you want to talk like Shakespeare be sure and check out this book.
· Speak the speech: the Shakespeare quotation book by William Shakespeare
If you enjoy watching Shakespeare performances you may want to review this book before you go.
· A theatergoer’s guide to Shakespeare’s characters by Robert Thomas Fallon
If you would like to know more about what Shakespeare’s Globe Theater was like may we suggest the following book?
· Shakespeare and his theatre by John Russell Brown
If you would rather listen to or view Shakespeare’s works, the Library has a large selection of audiobooks and DVDs of popular Shakespeare plays for your listening and viewing pleasure. Don’t forget to check out the Children’s department for additional titles suited for younger audiences.
Join us on Tuesday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m. for the Weyenberg Public Library Foundation Fine Arts series with an interactive presentation of To Be: Shakespeare here and now with the Optimist Theatre.
Picture courtesy of Google Images.
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