As You Like It (The New Cambridge Shakespeare) [Paperback]

William Shakespeare (Author), Michael Hattaway (Editor)

Book Description

Series: The New Cambridge Shakespeare | Publication Date: December 18, 2000

Shakespeare's As You Like It can appear bright or somber in performance: a feast of language and a delight for comic actors; or a risk-taking exploration of gender roles. This edition offers an account of what makes the play both innocent and dangerous, mapping the complexities of its setting (a no-man's-land related to both France and England) and giving an ample commentary on its language and an analytical account of performance.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Of particular interest is Hattaway's thorough discussion of stage history, complete with critically rich, detailed accouns of recent productions (film versions arecovered, too). His thinking as a critic and editor is clear, insightful and consistent, and his edition offers useful, well-documented textual notes and three appendices ... [Hattaway] has produced a solid critical edition that will serve the classroom as well as the stage." American Theatre

Book Description

Shakespeare's As You Like It can appear bright or sombre in performance: a feast of language and a delight for comic actors; or a risk-taking exploration of gender roles. This edition offers an account of what makes the play both innocent and dangerous, mapping the complexities of its setting (a no-man's-land related to both France and England) and giving an ample commentary on its language and an analytical account of performance.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 234 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (December 18, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521294126
• ISBN-13: 978-0521294126
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,944,302 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magical!, October 20, 2001

By 

"the_kenosha_kid" (Kenosha, Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

This review is from: As You Like It (Mass Market Paperback)

"As You Like It" is bar none, one of Shakespeare's VERY best works. It is probably the most poetic of the comedies and contains perhaps as many famous quotations as any other of his plays. Rosalind is perhaps his greatest female character and this work, along with the equally (or even more) brilliant "Midsummer Night's Dream," is the best example of Shakespeare's theme of the "dream world" vs. the "real" world. This play, especially the scenes in the forest, is a celebration of language and the power of the freedom of the imagination. It consequently can be read as a criticism of the "real world," here represented by Duke Ferdinand's court. Like many of the other comedies, Shakespeare is mocking the "ideal" which many in his society would have praised. Though this play deals with some pretty dark themes (which of his plays doesn't?) it is a light-hearted and fully enjoyable read!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Many Appealing Facets of Shakespeare's Talent!, October 14, 2001

By 

Donald Mitchell "Jesus Loves You!" (Thanks for Providing My Reviews over 109,000 Helpful Votes Globally) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: As You Like It (Audio Cassette)

As You Like It has many qualities to attract readers and audiences. Rosalind is one of the great heroines of all romantic literature. The play has more outstanding speeches than almost any other that has ever been written. Astonishing plot complications are quickly resolved in the simplest possible way, reflecting a playwright's tour de force. The Forest of Arden appears as a character in creating a magical atmosphere whereby all perceptions change, and all are healed. Right wins out, especially in drawing on good character . . . even from formerly badly behaving people. And for those who love marriages, this book has one of the most impressive ceremonies of all time in literature. Humans have never looked nobler in the end than in this play. Yet the play also abounds with some of the greatest lines of Shakespeare's fools that cause all of us to see that humility is more called for than pride or ambition. Certainly, As You Like It will make you feel the presence of an unmatched genius, that should inspire even the most arrogant to feel humbled in the Bard's presence.

My recommendation is that you first see a performance (whether in person, or on a recording). If that's not possible, try for an audio. Many outstanding actors have been taped. After you have the sights and sounds of the play firmly in mind, then read the play. You'll find that your earlier experiences will unlock more of the play's depths, imagery and pleasures for you.

Where in life is being true to your word very important? How can you improve your life by being more reliable in this way?

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the summary of textual and contextual issues for the play, March 24, 1998

By 

Charles C. Nickerson (Los Angeles, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: As You Like It (New Variorum Edition of Shakespeare) (Hardcover)

Suggested by my Shakespeare coach for its comprehensiveness, this book does not disappoint. Covering the issues of text and context, its all here. If anyone reading this knows where to find used copies of the other plays, or even what there exact titles are, please e-mail me the info.