The Shakespeare Book

June 1, 2015

Gr 7 Up-In this latest addition to the series, the Bard comes alive for young aficionados. Beginning with an introductory biography and short analysis of William Shakespeare's continued importance, the book provides a chronological (according to the 2005 Complete Oxford Shakespeare) arrangement of plays, rather than the more customary categorical order. Each entry includes information on major themes, principal characters, act/scene breakdown, and plot synopsis, as well as material regarding the plays' sources, reputation, and impact. Enlightening sections on Shakespeare's narrative and lyric poems, as well as commentary on Sir Thomas More, a manuscript-only play containing "the only known examples of writing in Shakespeare's hand," are also included, and the text is fully indexed. Enlarged famous quotes and high-quality color photos of modern productions, historical moments, and pertinent art works elucidate the text. While Leslie Dunton-Downer's Essential Shakespeare Handbook (DK, 2004) offers a more erudite presentation and scholarly background essays on Shakespeare's life and times, this new tool is more teen-friendly in design. Although the formulaic two-page plot summaries sometimes lack important clarifying or transitional words, the uncomplicated prose and informational sidebars will be welcomed by middle and high school teachers and students seeking concise explanations of the playwright's works. VERDICT An accessible ready-reference source for secondary libraries and Shakespeare buffs alike.-Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, formerly at LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2015
The latest addition to DK's Big Ideas Simply Explained series is a colorful and appealing guide to the Bard's plays, narrative poems, and sonnets. To whet our appetites for the subject, an introductory chapter surveys Shakespeare's life and work. The main course is presented in three servings: The Freelance Writer (15891594); The Lord Chamberlain's Man (15941603); and The King's Man (16031613). This arrangement follows the chronology and uses the text of the Complete Oxford Shakespeare (2005). Generous helpings of illustrations, time lines, plot diagrams, and character guides ensure that even readers in their salad days will enjoy every dish at the Shakespearean feast. The menu includes production photographs and sidebars that set individual plays in context (themes, setting, sources, and legacy) and profile individual Shakespearean players. Seasoned theatergoers and budding thespians alike will delight in this fresh approach to the greatest writer in the English language. The attractive presentation (not to mention price point) makes this suitable for all libraries.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)