Barbs from the Bard: Shakespearean Insults with Modern Translations and Notes [Abridged] [Audio Cassette]

Michael Viner (Author), Stefan Rudnicki (Author), Stephanie Beacham (Performer)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2001

The well-aimed insult was never in better shape than when Shakespeare mastered the art of defining dramatic conflict with rapier wit rather than swordplay. This audiocassette is a collection of some of the most cutting jeers and outrageous affronts ever spoken and as such can be a fine resource for just those moments you don't want to let slip by without comment. It also provides the ultimate opportunity to access Shakespeare's world of words in an immediate and visceral manner. Other readers include Susan Anspach, Jamie Farr, Robert Forster, Arte Johnson, Melissa Manchester, Loretta Swit, and Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From AudioFile

This clever presentation of Shakespeare's wit and literary prowess is like a foreign-language tape gone entertainingly and humorously awry. Instead of hearing grammar exercises though, the listener is presented with line after line of Shakespearean put-downs covering any number of subjects from virginity to obesity. The quotes, spoken in theatrical Elizabethan English, are given modern-day, around-the-water-cooler translations, which are light, helpful, and unfortunately (for those of us born in the twentieth century and not the sixteenth) absolutely necessary. While old, these barbs are still very sharp and very funny. B.P. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: New Millennium Audio; Abridged edition (June 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931056420
• ISBN-13: 978-1931056427
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #567,010 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > Books on Cassette > Humor
  • #51 in Books > Books on Cassette > Nonfiction > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Comical..., April 29, 2005

By 

Catwoman (FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Barbs from the Bard (Hardcover)

A friend of hubby's turned me on to this book. I was intrigued by the idea of Shakespearean insults, so I had to check it out for myself. Some people probably won't find it that funny. I think you have to have an odd sense of humor and some appreciation for Shakespeare. I thought it was quite comical.