A Dictionary of Shakespeare (Oxford Paperback Reference)

This concise, illustrated dictionary of Shakespeariana, compiled by one of the best-known authorities on his works, provides ready access to a mass of up-to-date material concerning Shakespeare and his cultural heritage in Britain and overseas. Alphabetically arranged entries guide the reader to a wealth of information on Shakespeare's life and times, on the sources and early publication of his works, on their performance history on stage and screen, on actors and writers especially associated with them, on operas and other musical works deriving from them, on theatres, editions, international Shakespeare organizations - in short, on all aspects of Shakespearian interest. The volume is complemented by a series of striking pronouncements about Shakespeare over the ages, by tables providing interesting facts about the plays, and by a useful guide to further reading. Entries on the plays and the major characters include: Shakespeare's life and his contemporaries; Actors - from Edmund Kean and Ellen Terry to Peter O'Toole and Kenneth Branagh; Theatres - including the new Globe in London; Directors - Trevor Nunn, Terry Hands, and Adrian Noble; and box features with passages about Shakespeare, from authors including Jane Austen, Dr Johnson, and Bernard Levin The illustrations include theatres, portraits of Shakespeare, and famous documents bearing his signature.