Shakespeare: The World as a Stage Review PDF

# Shakespeare: The World as a Stage Four reviewers comment on Bill Bryson's book ## Reviews **A)** Several reviewers have criticized *Shakespeare* by Bill Bryson for what it is not. It is not an academic book and was never intended to be. It is no secret that it was published with the general rea...

# Shakespeare: The World as a Stage Four reviewers comment on Bill Bryson's book ## Reviews **A)** Several reviewers have criticized *Shakespeare* by Bill Bryson for what it is not. It is not an academic book and was never intended to be. It is no secret that it was published with the general reader in mind: it's part of the "Eminent Lives" series of short biographies, which allows well-known writers to relate the basic facts of an eminent person's life and give their opinion. Bryson relates the little we know about Shakespeare, points out the many things we do not know, and explains the reasons why detective work relating to Shakespeare is so difficult. There were very few records kept. In Shakespeare's time, and even when they did survive, they were badly kept. The mystery surrounding a lot of Shakespeare's life has led to much speculation. For those, and I do not include myself, who enjoy Bryson's somewhat flippant style, it's worth reading, even if you are not a fan of Shakespeare. **B)** After writing a number of extremely popular books about his travels, bestselling author Bill Bryson has turned his hand to a biography of Shakespeare. It is no surprise that this slim volume is fairly light-hearted in tone as Bryson narrates what little we know of Shakespeare's life and, in his trademark style, mocks some of the crazier theories that have been put forward about this most famous playwright. Bryson's version of Shakespeare's life focuses on gathering together the fragmented evidence that exists and adding fascinating criticisms. He lists Shakespeare's and examples of unintelligible lines. There is no doubt that this book is very enjoyable, but it is little more than a collection of Shakespeare trivia and, as such, of no interest to the serious scholar.