Customer Reviews

The Tempest (No Fear Shakespeare)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a very simple review to write. The book does what it promises. Left hand page is the text of the play, to the right what each character says is given the literary equivalent of subtitles in colloquial english.

For example, a character says about men in a shipwreck: "Not a hair perished. On their sustaining garments not a blemish, but fresher than before."

Confused? Look to the translation on the opposing page: "Nobody was hurt in the slightest. Even their clothes were unstained, and look fresher than before the storm."

Works better than a mere glossary because it puts the meaning of the characters' statements into 21st century English. And Shakespeare is much more enjoyable and comprehensible when you know what is going on.

As has been stated, this format, original text on the left page, modern text on the right, is extremely helpful, the best of both worlds. The beauty and lyricism of the original text and the quick, easy to read and understand modern text on the right...read this editon, saw the play the next night and appreciated it more than ever before. Scholars may not like this format, but to the public and to the casual, but interested reader, this format can't be beaten.

This is a very useful format for anyone reading Shakespeare, even those who are familiar with the text of a particular play. The book does not interpret, but merely presents the dialogue and stage instructions in modern English. An excellent tool for students and teachers alike.

We are collecting as many Sparknotes as possible. When you are required to read Shakespeare, you must have a guide. It's that simple. There is no guide better, in our opinion as teachers, and students of literature.

As one reviewer noted this 'translation' is suspect in some places

Though I might almost agree with that assessment (doesn't any translation have it's detractors?), at the same time the original text is right there for you to examine on your own, and these 'No Fear' editions simply are the BEST way to make Shakespeare accessible! I LOVED this book and can't recommend it enough - I went back and bought 'Midsummer Night's Dream' and can't wait to read it!

This was a great way to understand Shakespear, and helped prepare us sufficiently just in time to see the play and understand it well.

The story line was a little silly; however, if this is a college requirment, then I highly recommend this book. It was so easy to read.

The No Fear Shakespeare edition of 'The Tempest' is a bastardization of the Shakespearian language and gives an erroneous idea of what W. Shakespeare actually meant. (The format is Shakespearian English on page one and 20th century english on page two.) I believe the No Fear version actually changes meaning of the original several times. I would stay away from this edition.
Linda Sheean