Shakespeare: The World as a Stage

Bill Bryson's biography of William Shakespeare explores the superstitions, academic discoveries, and myths surrounding the life of the greatest poet and playwright. It reveals the few scant facts known about Shakespeare, from his birth in Stratford to his bequest of his second-best bed to his wife. Bryson examines centuries of stories, half-truths, and lies, introducing engaging characters and celebrating Shakespeare's language and life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

William Shakespeare, the greatest poet and playwright in history, has been the subject of much speculation and mystery throughout the centuries. Despite the efforts of countless biographers and scholars, the truth about his life remains shrouded in myths and traditions, some of which are absurd and others conflicting. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, Shakespeare's life was marked by a series of events that shaped his artistic career.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Shakespeare's life is the mystery surrounding his death. While the exact date of his demise is unknown, it is believed to have occurred in 1616. According to legend, Shakespeare left his second-best bed to his wife, Anne Hathaway, upon his death. This gesture is seen as a testament to their deep love and affection for each other.

Shakespeare's plays have been performed countless times across the world, from school halls to the most prestigious theaters. His fame stems not only from the quality of his writing but also from his enigmatic persona. His face is familiar to all, yet very little is known about the man behind the masterpieces.

Despite the scrutiny of generations of biographers and scholars, Shakespeare's life is still a thicket of myths and traditions. Some of these myths are preposterous, while others are conflicting. However, the few scant facts known about the Bard provide a foundation for the many stories and legends that have been woven around him.

In his book, "Bill Bryson's Biography of William Shakespeare," Bryson takes us on a journey through the streets of Elizabethan and Jacobean England, examining centuries of stories, half-truths, and downright lies surrounding our greatest dramatist. With a steady hand and his trademark wit, Bryson introduces a host of engaging characters, as he celebrates the magic of Shakespeare's language and delights in details of the bard's life,folios, poetry, and plays.

One of the most fascinating characters that Bryson introduces is Shakespeare's patron, Henry Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton. Wriothesley was a wealthy nobleman who supported Shakespeare's theatrical career and provided him with financial assistance. Bryson delves into the details of Wriothesley's life, including his political ambitions, his relationships with other prominent figures, and his role in shaping Shakespeare's plays.

Another character that Bryson explores is Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway. While much is known about Shakespeare's romantic relationship with Hathaway, Bryson sheds light on the less-known aspects of their life together. He discusses their marriage, their children, and their financial struggles, which were common for many couples during the Elizabethan era.

Bryson also delves into Shakespeare's plays, examining the themes and motifs that underpin them. He discusses the influence of classical literature on Shakespeare's writing, as well as the social and political context in which his plays were written. Bryson provides a detailed analysis of some of Shakespeare's most famous plays, including "Romeo and Juliet," "Macbeth," and "Hamlet."

In addition to his analysis of Shakespeare's life and works, Bryson also provides a wealth of historical information about the Elizabethan era. He discusses the political turmoil
turmoil, religious conflicts, and cultural developments that shaped the world in which Shakespeare lived and worked. Bryson's book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in Shakespeare's life, literature, and the history of the Elizabethan era. It is a comprehensive and engaging account of the man behind the masterpieces, and it will leave readers with a greater appreciation for the genius of Shakespeare and his enduring legacy.

In conclusion, William Shakespeare's life has been the subject of much speculation and mystery throughout the centuries. Despite the efforts of countless biographers and scholars, the truth about his life remains shrouded in myths and traditions, some of which are absurd and others conflicting. However, the few scant facts known about the Bard provide a foundation for the many stories and legends that have been woven around him. "Bill Bryson's Biography of William Shakespeare" is a comprehensive and engaging account of the man behind the masterpieces, and it will leave readers with a greater appreciation for the genius of Shakespeare and his enduring legacy.

Weight: 160g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008610043
Edition number: Collins Modern Classics edition