Shakespearean

Shakespearean is a remarkable book, an illuminating and personal journey that takes us to the heart of Shakespeare's art and influence. From his account of the plays' quintessential Englishness to his exploration of what he shrewdly terms their 'negligent ambiguity,' McCrum's insights are hard-earned and deeply rewarding -- James Shapiro I can't think of anything better than listening to Robert McCrum talk about Shakespeare. And this enchanting book is the next best thing - like a gentle chat with a genuine expert. -- Sir Simon Russell Beale Robert McCrum beautifully connects Shakespeare to ourselves in a way I've not come across before. I love his curiosity. He seems to live each day as if he's talked to Shakespeare on the phone that morning. So far, it's the best thing that has happened during lockdown.' -- Michael Grandage, Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse, 2002-2012 Shakespearean is a brilliant, wise, elegant and profoundly moving book . . . Beautifully written, inspired and inspiring: a captivating portrait of Shakespeare and ourselves -- Joanna Kavenna, author of <i>The Ice Museum</i> If you ever had any doubts about the relevance of Shakespeare to the modern world, read this book! -- Henry Marsh, author of <i>Do No Harm</i> Wonderful and inexhaustibly fascinating -- Richard Eyre Wonderful . . . a beautiful personal testament to why Shakespeare continues to matter so much. It is crammed with original insights, and springs equally from a deep knowledge of Shakespeare's own world and a totally persuasive conviction that his plays speak to our own world, and our own selves, as cogently as they did to the Elizabethans. It is compulsively readable and I loved every page of it. -- Nicholas Hytner, theatre director Reading Shakespearean was a joy . . . by far the most accessible and erudite contemporary critique evoking with wit and profound insight that conscious (and subconscious) acknowledgement of the degrees to which Shakespeare's work continues to influence our cultural and political lives. It is also an essential entertaining book for anyone who like me shares a love of the great man's plays and sonnets. -- Don Boyd, film director McCrum writes brilliantly about writing . . . there is much here to stir the blood * The Times * Engaging and animated . . . McCrum guides us rather like someone walking through a gallery . . . McCrum's Shakespeare for times of disruption is a welcome participant in the contemporary conversation -- Rowan Williams, <i>New Statesman</i> 'Excellent . . . the winning combination of McCrum's own insights and sparkling language lifts Shakespearean to the must-read list . . . an ambitious and exhilarating ride * Daily Mail * A beguiling mix of memoir, literary criticism and biography * iNews *