It delves into the likely sources that inspired the greatest playwright to write such masterpieces as The Merchant Of Venice, Othello and Macbeth and assesses the influences of subsequent generations of performers who have shown the (3z(Binfinite variety(3y (Bwith which Shakespeare's work can be adapted for all forms of media.

CD of classic moments from Shakespeare's plays may not be included. This book contains rare, removable facimile documents among them: Shakespeares baptism record, an extract from the first Folio of 1623, Shakespeare's will, an original costume design for a performance of King Lear, a ticket for Shakespeares jubilee celebrations in 1769, a poster advertising Laurence Oliviers film of Henry V.