William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet (Bloom's Notes) [Paperback]

Harold Bloom (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1998 | Series: Bloom's Notes

William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is probably the classic love story of the English language. Reexamine this timeless masterpiece. Along with a collection of some of the best criticism available on his work, this text includes a brief biography of the author, structural and thematic analysis, an index of themes and ideas, and more. This series is edited by Harold Bloom, Sterling Professor of the Humanities, Yale University; Henry W. and Albert A. Berg Professor of English, New York University Graduate School. These texts are the ideal aid for all students of literature, presenting concise, easy-to-understand biographical, critical, and bibliographical information on a specific literary work. Also provided are multiple sources for book reports and term papers with a wealth of information on literary works, authors, and major characters.

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

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up -This solid entry in the series begins with a brief biography of Shakespeare, a discussion of the play's sources, and a list of characters. The body of the book consists of a fairly lengthy summary and analysis written by Bloom and 10 critical essays, reprinted from other scholarly sources, analyzing various aspects of the play. A number of these essays address popular research topics such as Shakespeare and adolescence; the characters of Friar Lawrence, Mercutio, and the Nurse; and the Capulets' role in their daughter's death. There is a good annotated bibliography, although most of the sources listed would only be available in academic libraries. Because this play is so frequently taught at the high school level, this guide would be a useful addition to most collections.-Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Chelsea House Publications (January 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0791041492
• ISBN-13: 978-0791041499
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,026,647 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An unforgettable tale of two star-crossed lovers, July 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet (Bloom's Notes) (Paperback)

This book was inspired by everyday romances. We can't see it around us but it is there. Romeo and Juliet is about two star-crossed lovers who overcome boundaries that are supposed to keep them apart: Their parents, the law, yet they overcome them like they're not even there. Though the ending is sad, it keeps you reading and the shakespearean language is not very hard to figure out when the words by themselves, tell the story of this heartfilled romance. Everyone should read it.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great, but not Will's best., July 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet (Bloom's Notes) (Paperback)

While I am a HUGE Shakespeare fan, this is not his best. Allbeit - its great literature. I love the twists and the language, but it's often quite silly and there are too many questions about motivations, etc. For true tragedy, you should spend the extra effort on Othello, Hamlet, or Lear. It's worth the endeavor!

5.0 out of 5 stars Shakespeare writes a modern story, June 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet (Bloom's Notes) (Paperback)

An amazing story that has all the components of a moder day bestseller. The Shakespearean language is not to difficult to decipher in this play and will be enjoyed by academic and non-academic audiences!