DK Eyewitness: Shakespeare

Peter Crisp (author)

Steve Teague (photos)

Dorling Kindersley, UK: 2003; 72pp

ISBN: 1405300930

Genres: drama, non-fiction, information text, literature

As always with DK Guides, the layout of this text is extremely appealing to highly visual readers. Each double-page spread contains an introductory paragraph and the rest of the text consists of twenty to fifty word annotations relating to the many illustrations.

These include photographs of items from the period, including costumes, weapons, tools, crockery, paintings, jewellery, musical instruments and stage props. Topics range from those specific to Shakespeare's personal life (birthplace, school, childhood) and works (comedies, tragedies, the Roman plays, building the Globe, the Lord Chamberlain's Men), to more general information about the period in which he lived (Queen Elizabeth's court, England at war, the playwrights, plague and poetry, enemies and protectors, science and superstition).

In this way the reader is given a remarkably thorough insight into the life and times of this great writer, including details that will both amuse and appal modern readers. While in some ways not as comprehensive as A Young Person's Guide to Shakespeare this DK guide is perhaps more accessible to younger readers.