Readers and playgoers who are new to Shakespeare (and even more seasoned veterans who would like to appreciate him more than they do) often find themselves puzzled: what is going on? His characters speak in verse rather than in the patterns of everyday speech. They are figures that ordinary humans seldom encounter-kings, queens, dukes, cardinals, and generals. Some of the plays are set in places even the most seasoned traveler is unlikely to have visited-Bohemia, Illyria, and the ancient Greek cities of Asia Minor-and in times from the distant past-imperial Rome, medieval Venice, Homer's Troy. What's more, the plots pursue events that seemingly have little to do with the daily round of modern lives-contention for a royal crown, assassination, shipwreck, occult visitation. Robert Fallon's small book is designed to dispel some of this apparent strangeness. It shows readers that what may at first seem unfamiliar to them is in fact close to their own lives. Kings and queens emerge as recognizable fathers and mothers, dukes and earls as squabbling siblings of any era. Exotic locales might be any present-day village or city block. And the plots resemble stories to be found in the pages of our morning newspaper. Shakespeare's language takes some getting used to, but even a brief acquaintance with its cadence and imagery will offer a glimpse of its glories. In How to Enjoy Shakespeare, Mr. Fallon explores Shakespeare's familiarity in five sections dealing with language, theme, staging, character, and plot, each abundantly illustrated with episodes and quotations from the plays. He writes in easily accessible prose in a book designed to make modern readers and audiences feel comfortable with the Bard.

About the Author
Robert Thomas Fallon's Theatergoer's Guides-to Shakespeare, to his characters, and to his themes-have been widely praised for their clarity and intelligence without dumbing down the material for the general reader. He has also written three books on John Milton. Mr. Fallon is professor emeritus of English at La Salle University and lives in Lumberville, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia.

Reviews
Fallon has written a 'guide for the perplexed'... * Kalamazoo Gazette *
Fallon has an enthusiasm for the subject that will easily infect readers.... Students, teachers, and playgoers alike would find it extremely useful. Recommended. -- Susan L. Peters * Library Journal *
A celebrated author whose Shakespeare theatre guides have been celebrated for their ease of access without 'dumbing down' information. * Bookwatch *
Fallon comes to the rescue by explaining Shakespearean language, themes, narrative...for those with little or no previous exposure. * Book News, Inc. *
An insightful assessment of several of Shakespeare's favorite themes: love, war, ambition and illusion. -- Katherine Royster * Tennessean *
Scholarly, but friendly. -- Stephen Peithman * Stage Directions *
If it's a basic, easy primer to enjoying Shakespeare which is needed, try out Thomas Fallon's How to Enjoy Shakespeare. * Bookwatch *
A wealth of perspectives. -- Jonathan Moscone * American Theatre *
He writes in easily accessible prose in a book designed to make modern readers and audiences feel comfortable with the Bard. * The Poor Yorick Shakespeare Catalogue *
Accessible prose without the 'insider' assumptions of many similar-sounding guides. * Bookwatch *
A little book of just 100 pages with a no-nonsense, easy approach to Shakespeare. * Bibliotheque D'humanisme Et Renaissance *
It is also notably the only volume here that has anything substantial to say about iambic pentameter. * Times Literary Supplement *



Book Information
ISBN 9781566636186
Author Robert Thomas Fallon
Format Hardback
Page Count 128
Imprint Ivan R Dee, Inc
Publisher Ivan R Dee, Inc
Weight(grams) 318g
Dimensions(mm) 221mm * 155mm * 15mm