Unravel the history themes and language of Shakespeares plays poems and sonnets with this beautifully illustrated guide to his life and works.Comedy and romance history and tragedy Shakespeares canon has it all. Some 400 years after they were written and first performed his works still remain fresh and relevant today. Discover the work of the worlds most celebrated playwright with A clear and accessible format Actbyact plot summaries of all of his 39 plays with lists of characters Guidance on how to read and interpret his great sonnets and narrative poems Plays ordered by time and genre helping readers to trace the development of Shakespeares topics themes and artistry Sidebars that clarify the mythological geographical and historical context of each play and decode its language dramatic action and themesShakespeare fans will revel in the marvellous depiction of the StratforduponAvonborn Bard himself His drama book allows you to dive into famous works like Hamlet Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Nights Dreams and explore Shakespeares sources and inspirations for each Themes plots characters and language are brought to life with actbyact plot summaries resumes of main characters and indepth analysis of Shakespeares use of the English language.