Shakespeare's Greatest Hits, Volume 1

by Bruce Coville

This highly successful series of Shakespeare adaptations comes to audio in a remarkable production that combines clear, accessible storytelling with the Bard’s gorgeous language. A huge cast of skilled readers brings the beauty, humor, and drama of these ageless classics to life in a recording that can be shared by the whole family. The perfect way to introduce youngsters—and adults—to the wonder of Shakespeare!

Genres: Middle Grade, Audiobook, Classics

180 pages, Audiobook

First published April 1, 2003

About the author

Bruce Coville was born in Syracuse, New York, in 1950. His family lived in farm territory, about twenty miles north of Syracuse. Bruce grew up around the corner from his grandparents' dairy farm, where he spent a great deal of time as a child, dodging cows and chores to the best of his ability. As a young reader he loved Mary Poppins and Dr. Dolittle, and still has fond memories of rising ahead of the rest of his family so he could huddle in a chair and read THE VOYAGES OF DR. DOLITTLE. He also read lots of things that people consider junk (Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, Tom Swift, and zillions of comic books). His only real regret is the time he spent watching television, when he could have been reading instead. (A mind is a terrible thing to waste!)

His first book, THE FOOLISH GIANT, was published in 1978. It was illustrated by his wife, Katherine, whom he had married in 1969. This was followed in 1979 by SARAH'S UNICORN, also illustrated by Katherine. After a long period of working separately, the Covilles began collaborating again with SPACE BRAT and GOBLINS IN THE CASTLE, both published in 1992.

Before getting published Bruce earned his living as a toymaker, a gravedigger, a cookware salesman, an assembly line worker, and finally as an elementary school teacher (second and fourth grades). He left teaching in 1981 to devote himself to becoming a full time writer - though it took another five years to achieve that goal!)

Bruce has published over 100 books, which have appeared in over a dozen countries around the world and sold more than sixteen million copies. Among his most popular titles are MY TEACHER IS AN ALIEN, INTO THE LAND OF THE UNICORNS, and THE MONSTER'S RING. In 2001 he founded Full Cast Audio, an audiobook company dedicated to creating unabridged, full cast recordings of the best in children's and young adult literature.

Reviews

[Jean-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 11-year-old and I enjoyed these full cast audio book adaptations of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and Twelfth Night to complement our Shakespeare history lesson. Bruce Coville and the cast do a great job making Shakespeare accessible and engaging for young readers.

[Heather Gmiterek · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun introduction of Shakespeare to my kids.

[Cherie Herrman]

audio

[Tracy Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not his usual happy stories, but than again, it's Shakespeare

[A Hoppy Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
The basic plots of four of Shakespeare's plays told in 20-30 minutes. I'm not a big fan of Shakespeare but Full Cast Audio does a good job of making these stories engaging. I do wish a bit more of the original dialogue was in this production.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This audiobook presents adaptations of MacBeth, A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and Twelfth Night. Each features a cast of characters. This allowed me to fill gaps in my Shakespeare knowledge: MacBeth and Twelfth Night. Although to be honest, as I right this review 2 months later I can’t remember the plot of 12th Night – perhaps I should grab the audiobook again! This production would be a good way to introduce children to these works of Shakespeare; it would also be good for students who want an audio “cliff notes” of sorts.

[Mahima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to this wonderful compilation understanding Shakespeare's plays seemed like a child's play.It comprised of four of his renowned plays..Midsummer night's dream, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet and The Twelfth Night. While the 2nd and 3rd plays were tragic , the first and last were sheer fun!Overall a good experience! Intend to read the unabridged plays now!! =)

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly enjoyable despite occasional overacting from the cast. Bruce Coville's voice is pretty good for narrating and he has done a pretty good job retelling these four selections. I agree with the description that it's a goodintroduction for kids. However, if you are interested in an unabrdged/unedited version of these plays this might not be your first choice.

[Aya]

ليس هذا تحديدا لكن هناك نسخة عربية منه تحت عنوان من روائع شكسبير ( لدار الشرق العربي) منقحة بما يناسب الأطفال لذا كان كبير الحجم و ملون بشكل مبالغ فيه، اشتريتها لأختي لاستعباد عقلها..اا أقصد لإقحامها تدريجيا في عالم الكلاسيكيات لكن أظن أن شكسبير لم يرُق لها و سرعان ما شعَرت بالملل بعد قراءة عُطيل...

فشلت المهمة.
.

[Kellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to these abridged versions of some of Shakespeare's "hits" :) Great overview of what each of the stories are about - would love them for review if I were to read the "real thing" or see the plays!

[The Docta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid brief paraphrased versions of Shakespeare for kids.