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Shakespeare A to Z: The Essential Reference to His Plays, His Poems, His Life and Times, and More

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Nearly 1,000 entries provide information on Shakespeare's life and works

752 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1990

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216 people want to read

About the author

Charles Boyce

12 books

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5 stars
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48 (28%)
3 stars
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
1,981 reviews16 followers
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May 27, 2023
I've consulted it many times over 33 years but only now read it through. Lots of interesting information. Probably overdue for a revised edition by now.
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Author 13 books41 followers
September 15, 2012
I owe this book more than I'll ever be able to repay. It helped me to love and enjoy Shakespeare even more , and it also helped me to get better marks in my university career (and some fo my friends' too- it was often borrowed) In fact it led such a harsh life I had to throw the tattered copy away and buy a new one, which I lined this time. (now I have an e-copy)Even if sometimes it is a bit snobbish (not including Kenneth Branagh, for example, who is despectively alluded to in the Henry V entry) and repetitive, it remains a highly valuable tool for students and Shakespeare lovers. Plays, characters, actors and actresses, theatres, productions, critics- everything is here.
184 reviews
January 4, 2026
This is an encyclopedia resource. As with any encyclopedia, entries are mostly condensed; one gets access to a large array of topics on Shakespeare. This book does provide some extensive information on each plays, namely, a scene by scene summary, an analysis, a list of its sources, and a history of its production. The value of this work depends on how much reference you need to investigate and also how much you can find better elsewhere.
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697 reviews26 followers
December 7, 2008
I find this especially helpful if I'm going to re-read a play.It helps me remember names, etc., so that I can get more out of the nth read.
Profile Image for Jessica.
826 reviews31 followers
August 6, 2007
A fantastic Shakespeare resource. Very useful.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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