To Be or Not To Be

The essential guide to the Bard and his work, celebrating 400 years of his legacy.The works of William Shakespeare have been a permanent feature on school curricula for years, and almost everybody can boast even a basic knowledge of his life and craft. But, with thirty-eight plays, over 150 sonnets and numerous other poems, there's such a wealth of material it's no wonder we sometimes forget the finer details. To Be or Not To Be is a fresh, new look at Shakespeare's work, showing how and why it remains such an integral part of popular culture and the English language. From what drove Ophelia mad, to the real meaning behind the phrase 'Wherefore art thou, Romeo?', this book covers everything: from the characters, essential plotlines and the famous lines from a host of Shakespeare's greatest works, to illuminating information on the playwright himself. All in an attractive gift book format, this is a true Shakespearian treasure trove that nobody should be without.