More than four hundred years after William Shakespeare s death, his name is known in every corner of the world. Why? Celebrated poet, critic, and Shakespeare enthusiast Michael Rosen answers that question with humor, knowledge, and appreciation, offering a whirlwind tour of Shakespeare s life, his London, and four of his plays: A Midsummer Night s Dream, Macbeth, King Lear, and The Tempest.

Originally published as: Shakespeare : his work and his world / illustrated by Robert Ingpen. 2001.

A plot! 1598 -- What's so special about Shakespeare? -- Extraordinary and dangerous times -- Shakespeare : the facts -- Stratford and school -- London -- Theater in the making -- The new theaters -- Shakespeare at work. A midsummer night's dream ; Macbeth ; King Lear ; The tempest. -- The drama of Shakespeare -- The will -- The legacy -- Time line .