Customer Reviews

William Shakespeare: A Biography

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

 

 

I just finished reading this book, and I have learned so much about Shakespeare that I did not know before. I've come away with a deeper understanding of the man who was so gifted that there has never been anyone his equal among poets & playwrites, yet I long to know more about him. The author has a deep appreciation of his subject and the reader is caught up in this enthusiasm. This is a book that was hard to put down and made we want to re-read Shakespeare's plays, enlightened now with a deeper understanding of the poet. The material in the book cast new light on the plays by giving me a perspective of historical events & cultural background of Shakespeare's times that are reflected in his writings. This is a must read for anyone who is interested in Shakespeare.

This is easily the best biography of Shakespeare ever published.The Cardinal paperback contains the same photo section in its' center as the hardback edition.
Rowse portrays a man whose life was acted in conservative counterpoint to his work.Shakespeare kept careful accounts.He purchased property,on mortgages that were strictly repaid.He took the byzantine steps required to acquire a coat-of-arms for his family name,securing it an air of respectability.Certainly Shakespeare frequented the Mermaid Tavern,where he found friends like Ben Johnson and much good cheer. it was an easy,convivial place;but a man with his eye strained for the main chance would have also noted the Mermaid's success.Sure enough,its' owner's name became attached to Shakeseare's on a title.
I don't want to over-emphasize these facts, that I find interesting.They are only a dimension of the discoveries that await the reader of this work; nothing should distract he/she from an awareness that Rowse's scholarship of the Bard's canon is sensitive as a tuning fork.When he catches Shakespeare's voice as an individual in a turn of phrase,the reader is thrilled.

I came to this biography after reading another recent and completely lame one (derivative and slanted). What a difference! I love history and biography, have read Shakespeare's plays but never seen one (!). Rowse's books have whetted my appetite to read additional biographies, histories of the era, and re-read the plays. It's hard to put down: very interesting, informative, original and easy to read. Highly recommended.

In a genre noted for confusing conjecture with biographical fact, Rowse must be counted among the most imaginative. Should carry a warning label.