Description

Discover the secrets behind Shakespeare's timeless stories, uproarious insults, and dramatic inventions--where jesters outwit kings, mysterious theaters erupt with applause, and history comes alive in every stanza.

What does it take for one writer's words to outlast centuries and echo across the globe? Bursting with bite-sized stories and entertaining details, this richly illustrated journey reveals the real world of William Shakespeare--from his bustling childhood in Stratford-upon-Avon to the vibrant stages and bustling crowds of London. Explore the romance, humor, and dramatic twists behind Hamlet's haunted Denmark, the lively disguises of Twelfth Night, and the fiendish plots of Macbeth.

Uncover how Shakespeare's famous phrases, clever wordplay, and unforgettable characters leapt from page to stage--and why his comedies, tragedies, and histories still spark laughter, heartbreak, and debate today. Find out who really played Juliet, what it was like to be a groundling at the Globe, and which of Shakespeare's inventions are hiding in your everyday words.

Brimming with facts, quirky anecdotes, and a glossary for budding wordsmiths, this middle grade nonfiction treasure promises to entertain curious minds and budding dramatists alike. Readers who enjoyed behind-the-curtain glimpses in National Geographic Kids or a DK Eyewitness Shakespeare will find plenty to cheer for in this lively guide to the Bard's world.