Jonathan Bate is a professor of Shakespeare and Renaissance literature at the University of Warwick. Widely known as a critic, award-winning biographer, and broadcaster, Bate is the author of several books on Shakespeare and principal editor of the Modern Library’s and Royal Shakespeare Company’s highly acclaimed William Shakespeare: Complete Works.
“Enthralling, the most eloquent evocation of Shakespeare one is
ever likely to encounter.”—Times Literary Supplement, U.K.
“It is almost impossible to write something fresh about William
Shakespeare. Yet Jonathan Bate has succeeded, with a sparkling and
arresting portrait of the Bard and his world as discovered in his
writings.”—The Economist (named one of the best books of 2008)
“Thoughtful, well-researched and even playful . . . An excellent
resource for students of English literature and the Elizabethan
era.”—Publishers Weekly
“Soul of the Age is the most artful, intriguing, and satisfying
study of the mind of William Shakespeare we now possess. No other
biography has used Shakespeare’s works so resourcefully to shed
light on his life; few have so successfully mined the records of
his life to illuminate the works. Each chapter shines with new
discoveries, original insights, and dazzling prose. This is a major
achievement from a master of Shakespeare studies.”—David Armitage,
Lloyd C. Blankfein Professor of History, Harvard University
“Surprising, fresh and anything but le pot rechauffé . . . [Bate]
has the gift of a true teacher–able at once to educate and to
entertain. . . . After reading Soul of the Age I felt closer to the
soul of Shakespeare.”—The Guardian,U.K.
“There can only be a handful of people in the world who know as
much about Shakespeare as Bate, and it is intensely enjoyable to
watch him bringing his knowledge to bear. He has the conjuror’s art
of suspense, and you find yourself gasping with pleasure at the
neatness of his conclusions. Few books pack so much new thinking
about Shakespeare between their covers.”—Sunday Times, U.K.
“Bate is both a considerable scholar and an excellent writer, and
he achieves a resonant and complex portrait, constantly alert to
new lines of enquiry and unexpected connections. . . . [This] is a
triumph of precision, learning and intelligent innovation.”—The
Telegraph, U.K.
Ben Jonson claimed that Shakespeare "was not of an age, but for all time!" Conversely, noted British Shakespeare scholar Bate (The Genius of Shakespeare) attempts to prove that the Bard effectively represents the politically and socially complicated 16th-century environment and that his work can then-theoretically-illuminate his mysterious personal life with the notable exception of his marriage. While much is conjectured here, the scant biographical resources are well-used to painstakingly define Shakespeare's careers as actor, poet and playwright and to refute popular myths such as his purported retirement from writing. Bate's approach is more successful in confirming that Shakespeare typifies his age than in providing substantive biographical information based on hints hidden in the prolific body of work. Even so, Bate offers an excellent resource for students of English literature and the Elizabethan era in this thoughtful, well-researched and even playful explication of Shakespeare's plays and sonnets as they resonated in both the Elizabethan sphere and the less austere Stuart court while remaining relevant today. Illus. (Apr. 17) Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.
"Enthralling, the most eloquent evocation of Shakespeare one is
ever likely to encounter."-Times Literary Supplement, U.K.
"It is almost impossible to write something fresh about William
Shakespeare. Yet Jonathan Bate has succeeded, with a sparkling and
arresting portrait of the Bard and his world as discovered in his
writings."-The Economist (named one of the best books of
2008)
"Thoughtful, well-researched and even playful . . . An excellent
resource for students of English literature and the Elizabethan
era."-Publishers Weekly
"Soul of the Age is the most artful, intriguing, and
satisfying study of the mind of William Shakespeare we now possess.
No other biography has used Shakespeare's works so resourcefully to
shed light on his life; few have so successfully mined the records
of his life to illuminate the works. Each chapter shines with new
discoveries, original insights, and dazzling prose. This is a major
achievement from a master of Shakespeare studies."-David Armitage,
Lloyd C. Blankfein Professor of History, Harvard University
"Surprising, fresh and anything but le pot rechauffe . . . [Bate]
has the gift of a true teacher-able at once to educate and to
entertain. . . . After reading Soul of the Age I felt closer
to the soul of Shakespeare."-The Guardian,U.K.
"There can only be a handful of people in the world who know as
much about Shakespeare as Bate, and it is intensely enjoyable to
watch him bringing his knowledge to bear. He has the conjuror's art
of suspense, and you find yourself gasping with pleasure at the
neatness of his conclusions. Few books pack so much new thinking
about Shakespeare between their covers."-Sunday Times,
U.K.
"Bate is both a considerable scholar and an excellent writer, and
he achieves a resonant and complex portrait, constantly alert to
new lines of enquiry and unexpected connections. . . . [This] is a
triumph of precision, learning and intelligent innovation."-The
Telegraph, U.K.
 |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
