A fairly clear and concise guide to all things "Bard", this book is like an ultimate Cliff Notes to his life, times, and work. If you've ever even shared a passing fancy in one of his plays or sonnets, this book will not only take you on a walk down memory lane, but show you the off shoots and side streets you may have over looked the first time around.

Miss the point of Richard III? No problem. --flips pages-- As it seems, this was the infamously wicked character that loved to draw the audience into his odious acts making them a party to the "crimes". Never heard of The Winter's Tale? Welcome to my world. --flips a few more pages-- According to the brief glimpse at the play transcribed here, it seems that the events may have been a story merely told on a cold, dark night...well, for starters at least. Recently assigned or besieged with questions from those who have been assigned reading from Hamlet, MacBeth, or The Merchant of Venice? Your window of "salvation" has been opened, and the curtains thrown aside making way for you to read all about it. However, summaries and play breakdowns are not all that await you within these pages.....

Along with the infamous is the less than known filled with unexpected facts to flesh them into existence. His life and journey through it start us off. His imagination and creativity spill forth with the many word creations and meanings associated to him and his work; being a fan of word play, he was a writer after out own hearts. His many quote-worthy writings are cleared up to reveal their accurate accounts. There's even a glossary of characters should you be at a loss when faced with a reference and need a quick clarification, plus a selection of several dozen quotes from those same beloved "souls".

In short, it's a book for the young and a book for the old, equally across the board. Whether being newly introduced to his work, or getting a clearer understand of one's past reads, this is a great reference style guide to keep on hand for those moments you desire to "Shake" things up a bit. Just remember, his work was meant to be performed so no matter how strange or twisted they appear on paper, all things look different when played out on the stage. ( )