From School Library Journal
Grade 12 Up-This impressive title contains criticism on Richard III, Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2, and Henry V. Discussion of the individual plays is prefaced by an introduction and a three-page biography of Shakespeare. The entry on each play gives a succinct plot summary, brief descriptions of major characters, and six to eight critical excerpts. A list of the Bard's works, further reading, and indexes of themes and ideas complete this comprehensive volume. However, the language in the essays is too sophisticated for a high school audience. Even honors English classes may be stumped by sentences like this one from an essay on Henry IV, Part 2: "Apparently open to any construction-or to no determinate one-the rootlike apparition of the young Shallow may all too literally mock any aspiration to get to the root of the matter of reform in terms of gendered character." The highbrow language and sophistication of each argument is not surprising given that the criticism is excerpted from scholarly books or professional literary journals like Shakespeare Quarterly and Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900. It's unfortunate, though, that the criticism itself is not on par with the reading level of a high school audience. This title is best suited for public libraries with a broad customer base that includes university students.
Leah J. Sparks, Bowie Public Library, MD Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Gr. 10^-12. This title in Bloom's Major Dramatists series focuses on several of Shakespeare's frequently studied plays:
Richard III, Henry IV, parts 1 and 2, and
Henry V. Bloom's brief introduction, rather than provide an overview, champions Falstaff's character; however, the clear, concise Shakespeare biography offers some historical context and highlights the writer's diverse literary talents. Accessible, well-abstracted plot and character summaries are followed by excerpted critical essays, past and present, on themes and topics within each play, among them, "Richard's Unruly Masculinity" by Ian Frasier Moulton. The essays' generally academic, dense prose is geared toward the serious student; and although this is certainly no substitute for reading the original works, it will be useful for navigating the complex mazes of plots and characters, particularly for exam reviews and paper topics. Essays include author introduction, brief summary, and publishing information; at book's end are a list of Shakespeare's works, a lengthy bibliography of titles predominantly targeted at adults, and an index of themes and ideas.
Shelle Rosenfeld
