Robin Williams

Robin Williams spent twenty-five years writing computer and design books and was one of the top three best-selling computer book authors in the world. But the world changed and no one bought computer books anymore, so she went to London and formalized her long study of Shakespeare with an M.A. and Ph.D. in Shakespeare studies. Her M.A. is in Shakespearean authorship and her doctorate is on the history (and future) of reading Shakespeare out loud and in community.

Her particular interest is in Shakespeare reading groups, where adults read the plays aloud and talk about them along the way. Robin has been involved in Shakespeare reading groups for almost two decades, during which time she developed a list of design features for play texts specifically for reading groups. Her doctorate research includes the editorial practice of publishing Shakespeare over the past four hundred years. This research, combined with her design skills, visual communication skills, knowledge of Shakespearean language, and familiarity with the needs of reading groups coalesced in the Readers’ Editions of the plays.

Numerous Shakespeare reading groups have told Robin they choose which play to read based on which play is now in the Readers’ Editions. Interestingly, high school drama teachers have also found these editions more useful than any other. University professors have found them the most satisfying for their students. And directors have found them to be the most efficient texts to use for actors, with plenty of room on the pages for notes.

For more information about Shakespeare reading groups and how to start one of your own, please see www.iReadShakespeare.org.