Shakespeare A to Z: The Essential Reference to His Plays, His Poems, His Life and Times, and More

Nearly 1,000 entries provide information on Shakespeare's life and works

YA-- This massive and fascinating volume of Shakespeareana is unquestionably a classic compendium of information on the Bard of Avon. Here are synopses of all of Shakespeare's plays by act and scene; sketches of all of his characters, as well as the historic personages on whom some of them were based; biographies of his contemporaries in the Elizabethan theater; portraits of many of the actors who achieved fame in his plays; and mentions of many modern theatrical works that have been influenced by him. One can also find definitions of literary and theatrical terms relevant to his work, along with descriptions of the places that figured so prominently in Shakespeare's plays. The book is truly a treasure trove of information for students of Shakespeare, of English literature, and of Elizabethan and modern theater.
-Richard Lisker, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This work invites comparison with the Reader's Encyclopedia of Shakespeare (1966). Both provide remarkable levels of detail on virtually any aspect of Shakespeare's life and art. The Reader's Encyclopedia, however, is now nearly a quarter of a century old; it does not, for example, include entries for Branagh's 1989 film of Henry V or Joseph Papp, the noted producer, both included here. But it is much broader in scope, including bibliographies as well as articles on such figures as Stendahl (author of a book on Shakespeare). More comprehensive, it may still be the best book on the subject, but it is now out of print. Boyce's work is well done and much more current, and it includes many unique entries. It will be a useful complement for libraries owning the Reader's Encyclopedia and a fine addition for those that don't. -- Peter Dollard, Alma Coll. Lib., Mich.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.