Melissa’s Review: Shakespeare Basics for Grown-Ups by E. Foley & B. Coates

Shakespeare Basics for Grown-Ups
written by E. Foley & B. Coates
published by Plume (Random House), 2014

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Book Depository, Goodreads

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange  for an honest review.

Did I enjoy this book: I’m not sure it’s possible to enjoy a reference book, but I definitely found this book both entertaining and useful. I’m especially fond of the one-sentence descriptions of each Shakespearean play (it’s always nice to do a bit of brushing up before hanging out with my literary friends), and I’m impressed at Foley & Coates’s ability to make this big, big topic so accessible. They cover everything from the treatment of women to censorship to why The Bard is called The Bard, then branch out into the nitty-gritty of Shakespearean text without alienating readers. You’ll enjoy the quick reference Shakespearean dictionaries and the list of phrases The Bard invented.

In case all that’s not enough, you can find plot summaries, key scenes, symbols, and themes, and a bit of criticism for each and every play.

Still want more? How bout a comprehensive list of famous Shakespearean actors, a group of quotes organized by who they most relate to, and a quiz to make sure you’ve retained all this wonderful knowledge? You get it all in a slim, easy to read little volume that I’m going to hide on my shelf and hope my boss forgets I haven’t returned it to her.

 

GOLDEN LINE

(For Those with Children):

“A thousand times, goodnight!” Romeo & Juliet

 

Would I recommend it: Yes. It’s a decent little reference book to keep on your shelf.

About the book – from Goodreads: An essential guide to Shakespeare, from the international bestselling authors of Homework for Grown-Ups

The Bard was so incredibly prolific that even most Shakespeare scholars would welcome the occasional refresher course, and most of the rest of us haven’t even got a clue as to what a petard actually is. Fear not, the bestselling authors of Homework for Grown-Ups are here to help. For parents keen to help with their children’s homework, casual theatre-goers who want to enhance their enjoyment and understanding, and the general reader who feels they should probably know more, Shakespeare Basics for Grown-Ups includes information on the key works, historical context, contemporaries and influences, famous speeches and quotations, modern day adaptations, and much, much more.