Del Norte Public Library

Shakespeare's classic drama exploring madness, guilt, justice and self-perception.

In this comprehensive and compelling study, Stanley Wells explores the wide range of meanings that the plays can generate and analyzes their literary and dramatic craftsmanship in terms that are accessible to the nonspecialist, even to readers with no previous knowledge or experience of Shakespeare. In particular, he looks at Shakespeare's impact through the ages and especially on the varied realizations of his plays in modern theater.

The classic Shakespeare play in which an old king prematurely divides his kingdom among his three daughters.

The sensitive and poetic Richard II is unscrupulous and weak. When his cousin Henry Bolingbroke returns from banishment and mounts a challenge to his authority, Richard's right to the throne proves of little help to him.

Mark Antony has become the thrall of the fascinating Cleopatra. Affairs of state call him to Rome, but the attractions of the Queen of Egypt prove impossible to resist.

Antonio promises money to help his friend Bassanio woo Portia. He borrows the sum needed from the cruel Shylock, but there will be a dreadful penalty if the loan is not repaid.

Combines elements of analysis, history, biography, performance, and the personal passions of six presenters to tell the stories behind the stories of six Shakespeare plays. Includes interviews with actors, directors, and scholars; visits to key locations; clips from celebrated film and television adaptations; and illustrative excerpts from performances staged at Shakespeare's Globe in London especially for the series.