A highly readable study of Shakespeare, his plays, and his times. Rowse brings together what is known of Shakespeare and the Elizabethan era while referencing where he can some of his plays and poetry - and, I believe, he does it brilliantly. He is neither dry nor boring but thoroughly enjoyable. Purists might not care for his style of bringing Shakespeare to life, but he is entirely plausible and entertaining without being outrageous. His knowledge and respect for S. is evident. For those hungering to peel away the mystery of the great playwright, this is any excellent read. If art reflects life, we can certainly find some of Shakespeare in his works.
Also, I would pick through Shakespeare the Man as I read a play (along with some other, more analytical, text) to see what was going on in Shakespeare's life and times for added insight into the play and playwright.
Editorial Reviews
"As a historian of Elizabethan culture [Rowse] helpfully interrelates Shakespeare the man and his plays and poems with the personalities, the politics, the outstanding events of the age...[Rowse] is very good reading...his authoritarian tone rather bracing after the timidities of most of us in the establishment, always fearful of declaring ourselves." --The New York Times
"A book [which] ought to delight general readers and scholars alike...[Rowse] brings historical perspective to the usual account of Shakespeare as Stratford boy and London actor...bold authority becomes daring speculation as the historian sweeps through the sonnets with a new theory." --Library Journal
"[Rowse] describes the rich background of Shakespeare's life and works. He dismisses the notion that little is known about Shakespeare but show him a very 'much a reading man', traveling frequently between London and Stratford. Rowse's Shakespeare is untroubled by the mental strain and dilemmas that vex his dramatic characters. This is no psychological study but a straightforward historical narrative. We should be grateful that he, it seems, has rescued the Dark Lady from her literary limbo." --Christian Science Monitor
"This book is certainly enjoyably good reading." --Economist
"Tone and substance suggest that Dr. Rowse is casting is net to capture a...popular kind of readership...he has the touch...a new and controversial thesis." --Times (of London) Literary Supplement
Also, I would pick through Shakespeare the Man as I read a play (along with some other, more analytical, text) to see what was going on in Shakespeare's life and times for added insight into the play and playwright.
Editorial Reviews
"As a historian of Elizabethan culture [Rowse] helpfully interrelates Shakespeare the man and his plays and poems with the personalities, the politics, the outstanding events of the age...[Rowse] is very good reading...his authoritarian tone rather bracing after the timidities of most of us in the establishment, always fearful of declaring ourselves." --The New York Times
"A book [which] ought to delight general readers and scholars alike...[Rowse] brings historical perspective to the usual account of Shakespeare as Stratford boy and London actor...bold authority becomes daring speculation as the historian sweeps through the sonnets with a new theory." --Library Journal
"[Rowse] describes the rich background of Shakespeare's life and works. He dismisses the notion that little is known about Shakespeare but show him a very 'much a reading man', traveling frequently between London and Stratford. Rowse's Shakespeare is untroubled by the mental strain and dilemmas that vex his dramatic characters. This is no psychological study but a straightforward historical narrative. We should be grateful that he, it seems, has rescued the Dark Lady from her literary limbo." --Christian Science Monitor
"This book is certainly enjoyably good reading." --Economist
"Tone and substance suggest that Dr. Rowse is casting is net to capture a...popular kind of readership...he has the touch...a new and controversial thesis." --Times (of London) Literary Supplement
