Shakespeare (The Illustrated and Updated Edition): The World as Stage

Shakespeare: The Illustrated Edition is an exquisitely illustrated, updated edition of Bill Bryson’s bestselling biography of William Shakespeare that takes the reader on an enthralling tour through Elizabethan England and the eccentricities of Shakespearean scholarship. With more than 100 color and black-and-white illustrations throughout, and updated to include recent discoveries, Shakespeare: The Illustrated Edition evokes the superstitions, academic discoveries, and myths surrounding the life of one of the greatest poets, and makes sense of the man behind the masterpieces. |

Bill Bryson's Shakespeare pairs one of history's most celebrated writers with one of the most popular writers in the English language today. In this elegant, updated, illustrated edition, the superstitions, academic discoveries and myths surrounding the life of one of the world's greatest poets are evoked through a series of full-color paintings, drawings, portraits, documents and photographs. Bryson also discusses the recent discoveries of the Cobbe portrait and the remains of Shakespeare's first theatre in Shoreditch.

The centuries of mysteries, half-truths and downright lies about Shakespeare are deftly explored, as Bryson draws a picture that includes many aspects of the poet's life, making sense of the man behind the masterpieces. In a journey down the streets of Shakespeare's time, Bryson brings to life the hubbub of Elizabethan England and delights in details of his folios and quartos, poetry and plays. He celebrates the glory of Shakespeare's language and his ceaseless inventiveness, which gave us hundreds of now indispensable phrases, images and words.

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“Bryson is a pleasant and funny guide to a subject at once overexposed and elusive.” - Publishers Weekly

“Bill Bryson has yet to disappoint…. This examination is likely to stick with you because of Bryson’s humor, deep love of language, and clear fondness for his subject.” - Boston Globe

“Bryson uses an inimitably light touch and squeezes a vast subject down to manageable proportions. He is a warm and funny guide through the whole complicated morass of Shakespearean scholarship.” - Financial Times

“A consistent pleasure…both accessible and intelligent…. Will and Bill are a great double act.” - Houston Chronicle

“A telling glance at one of history’s most unknowable figures.” - Kirkus Reviews