The definitive Shakespeare companion : overviews, documents, and analysis

Among the great mass of Shakespeare reference sets, The Definitive Shakespeare Companion might actually live up to its name. Entries follow a basic pattern: plot summary, publication history, literary sources (often including extensive excerpts from those sources), historical context (again with excerpts from primary sources), discussion of characters, themes, critical controversies, production history, reviews of productions (admirably up-to-date), and explication of key passages. Brief sidebars on relevant points appear throughout--e.g., for Titus Andronicus these include "Grand Guignol" and "Ghosts." The focus on primary sources makes this set notable, since sources are rarely explored in works aimed at general readers. The entries are well informed and scholarly, but written in an accessible language. The overview essays--for example, "Shakespeare's Language" and "The Authorship Questions"--are particularly good, offering analyses grounded in historical context while avoiding the worshipful hyperbole that so often characterizes such introductory essays. The set is also quite affordable, considering the wealth of material included. Those looking for a single reference set on Shakespeare's works would be well served by this one. Summing Up: Essential. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty; general readers. --Stacy Magedanz, California State University San Bernardino

Based on the premise, indirectly attributed to Dryden, that Shakespeare is hard, this extensive companion aims to demystify Shakespeare so that students and general readers will be encouraged to appreciate the artistry of the writing and will come to a fuller appreciation of Shakespeare's genius. To lay the foundation, a 100-page introductory section explores Shakespeare's era, his life, texts and language, and authorship controversies. Treatment of the works ­inclusive enough to embrace Sir Thomas More, to which Shakespeare was but one of multiple contributors provides plot summaries by act and scene, explains the histories' historical context, quotes excerpts from literary and historical sources, analyzes dramaturgy, discusses principal characters, examines critical controversies, and recaps the creation and critiques of noteworthy productions. Explications of plays' key passages focus less on furthering character development and more on plays' themes. Occasional sidebars serve tidbits, such as the discovery in 2012 of Richard III's body beneath a car park; the first film production, in 1899; Neoplatonism in As You Like It; and the role of the Fool in Lear. A prose paraphrase accompanies the full text of selected sonnets, introducing commentary on each poem's place in the sonnet cycle, poetic technique, themes and meaning, and its relationship to the Shakespeare oeuvre. Every section devoted to an individual work concludes with a selective bibliography, including succinct annotations. Students may prefer this systematic approach over the topical essays in Richard Dutton's similarly voluminous A Companion to Shakespeare's Works (2008). Contributors to Rosenblum's Companion, academics with relevant teaching, acting, or publication records, write clearly and insightfully. The comprehensive scope assures that students can turn to this for background and analysis of nearly every work. Yet the depth and extent of background information (as many as 35 pages for a single play) overshadow the explications of quoted key passages, and additional attention to the Bard's language would more effectively stimulate fuller appreciation of his artistry than the excerpts from difficult-to-comprehend antecedent sources.--Rettig, James Copyright 2017 Booklist

In 2005, Rosenblum (editor, Critical Survey of Shakespeare's Plays) compiled The Greenwood Companion to Shakespeare: A Comprehensive Guide for Students. Here, he and more than 70 contributors (mostly academics) have updated the 70-plus articles on each of William Shakespeare's plays and 31 selected individual or paired sonnets (including texts of each) and longer narrative poems. Introductory essays cover the Bard's times, his texts, his language, and the question of the authorship of his works. While many of the pieces on the individual works remain unchanged from the 2005 edition, new sections help place each item in context. Excerpts from literary sources, passages from related historical documents, and reviews of modern productions are especially useful. Rosenblum has also added insets on key thinkers, movements, and historical events. The annotated bibliographies that accompany each essay have been updated as well. While more concise guides exist, such as The Oxford Companion to Shakespeare, this lively, approachable volume provides a wealth of material and analysis. VERDICT This rich companion to Shakespeare's life and work is recommended for students, theatergoers, general readers, actors, directors, writers, and other artists.-Marcia G. Welsh, Dartmouth Coll. Lib., Hanover, NH © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Based on the premise, indirectly attributed to Dryden, that "Shakespeare is hard," this extensive companion "aims to demystify Shakespeare so that students and general readers will be encouraged to appreciate the artistry of the writing and will come to a fuller appreciation of Shakespeare's genius." To lay the foundation, a 100-page introductory section explores Shakespeare's era, his life, texts and language, and authorship controversies. Treatment of the works—­inclusive enough to embrace Sir Thomas More, to which Shakespeare was but one of multiple contributors—provides plot summaries by act and scene, explains the histories' historical context, quotes excerpts from literary and historical sources, analyzes dramaturgy, discusses principal characters, examines critical controversies, and recaps the creation and critiques of noteworthy productions. Explications of plays' key passages focus less on furthering character development and more on plays' themes. Occasional sidebars serve tidbits, such as the discovery in 2012 of Richard III's body beneath a car park; the first film production, in 1899; Neoplatonism in As You Like It; and the role of the Fool in Lear. A prose paraphrase accompanies the full text of selected sonnets, introducing commentary on each poem's place in the sonnet cycle, poetic technique, themes and meaning, and its relationship to the Shakespeare oeuvre. Every section devoted to an individual work concludes with a selective bibliography, including succinct annotations. Students may prefer this systematic approach over the topical essays in Richard Dutton's similarly voluminous A Companion to Shakespeare's Works (2008). Contributors to Rosenblum's Companion, academics with relevant teaching, acting, or publication records, write clearly and insightfully. The comprehensive scope assures that students can turn to this for background and analysis of nearly every work. Yet the depth and extent of background information (as many as 35 pages for a single play) overshadow the explications of quoted key passages, and additional attention to the Bard's language would more effectively stimulate fuller appreciation of his artistry than the excerpts from difficult-to-comprehend antecedent sources. Copyright 2017 Booklist Reviews.

In 2005, Rosenblum (editor, Critical Survey of Shakespeare's Plays) compiled The Greenwood Companion to Shakespeare: A Comprehensive Guide for Students. Here, he and more than 70 contributors (mostly academics) have updated the 70-plus articles on each of William Shakespeare's plays and 31 selected individual or paired sonnets (including texts of each) and longer narrative poems. Introductory essays cover the Bard's times, his texts, his language, and the question of the authorship of his works. While many of the pieces on the individual works remain unchanged from the 2005 edition, new sections help place each item in context. Excerpts from literary sources, passages from related historical documents, and reviews of modern productions are especially useful. Rosenblum has also added insets on key thinkers, movements, and historical events. The annotated bibliographies that accompany each essay have been updated as well. While more concise guides exist, such as The Oxford Companion to Shakespeare, this lively, approachable volume provides a wealth of material and analysis. VERDICT This rich companion to Shakespeare's life and work is recommended for students, theatergoers, general readers, actors, directors, writers, and other artists.—Marcia G. Welsh, Dartmouth Coll. Lib., Hanover, NH