An Introduction to Shakespeare

by Marchette Gaylord Chute

An historical background of Shakespeare's plays and their original performance

Genres: History, Shakespeare, Nonfiction, Biography, Literature, Childrens

123 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1951

Reviews

[Rick Patterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and easy run through Shakespeare's life and work, it does exactly what the title suggests for itself. The details about what was necessary to actually put on a stage play are new material for me, but most of the rest of it has been done elsewhere (and better). Chute is obviously barely restraining himself from adulation; he describes Shakespeare's contemporaries' unwillingness to acknowledge the art of his craft with an almost discernible tut-tut, when that, of course, was absolutely the norm for the time. Imagine elevating stand-up comedy in our time to literature. It would be as unthinkable, and for most of the same reasons.
Again, this is a workmanlike and very readable introduction, but don't expect much beyond that.

[Alfredo Díaz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good introduction to the overall progression of Shakespeare's plays and his professional life. If you look for a work full of references, this is not it. If you are looking for Shakespeare's personal life and gossip and conspiracy theories, this is not it. This is a straightforward book that tries literally to introduce you a bit to what it meant to be a playwright, how Shakespeare went about it, and the people's reaction.
It plants the seed to want to know more.
To be read easily in one sitting.

The two stars if for the lack of references; that is quite a fault when writing history, as much as an introduction as you want to make it.

[Lily-Ayn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like it did a wonderful job of introducing me to Shakespeare, and I loved the fact that it doesn't so much as describe his life, as it does describe his works and what type of Climate he worked in.

[Pegi Ferrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This slim volume is a quick introduction to Shakespeare, his contemporaries, and the theater, both before and after Will was writing. Advantages: short and interesting, a great introduction. Disadvantage: desperately needs a bibliography, and identification of opinions.

[Dustin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This will do as intended, introduce Shakespeare, but goes in and out of talking about plays, the contemporaries and leaves out context on the theatre itself as a growing influence and appeal.

[Suzan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book did exactly what it suggested in the title. It was an introduction to Shakespeare. It was facinating to read about the times and how the affected the theater at the time. I had forgotten how pervasive the Puritans were and how they had such an affect on public policy. I was excited to read about how they closed down the public theaters and that was the start of the popularity of indoor private theaters. No more "penny galleries". Theater was no longer part of the people. It reminded me of Opera and Mozart how the magic flute was written for the common man and how that disgusted some. One wonders where the arts would be if it had remained in the hands of "the common man". Poorer perhaps but more pervasive.

I am going to recommend this book to my high school student so she has a greater appreciation of the Shakespearian works she has read so far and for what she has ahead in her school career. It is a pretty easy read.

[Cricket Muse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read much about Shakespeare, ranging from literary and professorial authors to fictional supposition, Chute’s slim volume took me by surprise. Designed for a younger audience, some of the details of Shakespeare’s life were toned down (a rushed marriage due to an early pregnancy) while others were a deliberate focus (involvement in the theatre).
Overall, a fairly satisfying volume that provides some interesting information not seen elsewhere, such as the printing history of his plays.
Not having a referenced bibliography is a detriment due to the inability to cross-reference sources.

[Kiof · Rating 4 out of 5]

maybe the best pure "biography" on the man for its brevity and complete lack of pretension or outlandish guesswork. the other quality bios around are really more critical studies with some tea-leave-reading. this puts all the facts out neatly and sensibly.

[Moonglum · Rating 3 out of 5]

This slim volume is a succinct introduction to Shakespeare's life and works. It seems to have been written for a young audience, but the subject is fascinating and the book provides a real view into some of the things that make Shakespeare awesome.

[Krianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
This book was good enough but it was truly just the story of Shakespeare. I'm not sure what I was expecting but it wasn't this. All the other does is describe each play and poem. I didn't find this book to be terribly satisfying.