The Rough Guide to Shakespeare

the long version

A comprehensive overview of Shakespeare features full coverage of all 38 plays, each including a synopsis, character list, stage history and a critical essay; guides to recommended texts, critical studies and further reading; reviews of the best films and audio recordings;, information on such topics as swearing in Shakespeare, fools, cross-dressing and the mystery of Shakespeare's lost plays; a detailed look at Shakespeare's poetry; and a full biography of the Bard, including an account of how the plays were originally performed.