The Great White Bard: Shakespeare, Race and the Future

In 1599: A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare, James Shapiro examines Shakespeare's works to argue that he is a powerful and illuminating literary genius of the Western canon, but that if we read him as representative of only one group, he will be in peril. Professor Farah Karim-Cooper's book challenges us to look him in the eye and reckon with the discomforts of his plays, playhouses, and society, and to expand and enrich his extraordinary legacy. It is a challenging, riveting read that reminds us how powerful the stories we tell can be on our lives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: Oneworld Publications

Shakespeare, once considered the sole literary genius of the Western canon, is now facing a dilemma. While his works continue to captivate audiences worldwide, some argue that his portrayal of certain characters and themes perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces white supremacy. In his book "1599: A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare," James Shapiro delves into the complexities of Shakespeare's life and work, challenging the notion that he was a lone genius and instead presenting him as a complex individual who lived in a particular time and place.

Shapiro argues that Shakespeare's plays, particularly those featuring characters of color, are often misread and misunderstood. He challenges the idea that Shakespeare's portrayal of race and identity was limited to the binary of black and white and instead presents a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of race and ethnicity in Elizabethan London.

One of the key themes in "1599" is the role of gender and sexuality in Shakespeare's plays. Shapiro explores how Shakespeare's portrayal of women and queerness challenged traditional gender norms and stereotypes. He argues that Shakespeare's characters, such as Cleopatra, Viola, and Rosalind, were complex and multifaceted individuals who defied societal expectations and pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable.

Shapiro also examines the social and political context of Elizabethan London, which shaped Shakespeare's work. He explores how Shakespeare's plays were influenced by the political turmoil and social tensions of the time, such as the Wars of the Roses, the Spanish Armada, and the colonization of the Americas. Shapiro argues that Shakespeare's plays were not just about entertainment but also about social commentary and political commentary, and that they were used to interrogate and challenge the dominant narratives of the time.

Despite the challenges that Shakespeare faces in the twenty-first century, Shapiro believes that his work is still relevant and important. He argues that Shakespeare's plays continue to speak to contemporary issues around race, identity, and the human experience, and that they can be used as a tool for social change and empowerment.

In conclusion, "1599: A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare" is a powerful and illuminating book that challenges the notion that Shakespeare is irrelevant or a lone literary genius of the Western canon. Instead, Shapiro presents Shakespeare as a complex individual who lived in a particular time and place and who used his work to interrogate and challenge the dominant narratives of his time. Shapiro's book is a must-read for anyone interested in Shakespeare, literature, and the social and political context of the twenty-first century.

Weight: 568g
Dimension: 164 x 244 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780861545346