Shakespeare in a Divided America

Review One of the greatest living scholars of the Bard. ― The Times ‘Best Books of 2020’Right on the money . . . timely and resonant. -- Robert McCrum ― ObserverA masterstroke . . . fresh, vivid, and thoroughly entertaining. -- Will Gompertz ― BBCThis richly researched book is a continual revelation both about Shakespeare and about ourselves. -- Stephen GreenblattA thrilling book from first page to last. -- Nicholas HytnerShapiro, once again, proves himself to be an irresistible storyteller. -- Simon Russell Beale Product Description A BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week'Excellent.' New Statesman'Outstanding.' Irish Times'Enthralling.' Guardian'Shapiro at his best.' Daily TelegraphFrom the author of 1599, a fresh perspective on the history of the United States - and a timely reminder of Shakespeare's indelible influence.Shakespeare's position as England's national poet is unquestionable. But as James Shapiro illuminates in this revelatory new history, Shakespeare has long held an essential place in American culture too. Why, though, would a proudly independent republic embrace England's greatest writer? Especially when his works enact so many of America's darkest nightmares: interracial marriage, cross-dressing, same-sex love, tyranny and assassination? Shapiro leads us to fascinating answers and startling stories. Book Description From the author of 1599, a freshperspective on the history of the United States - and a timely reminder of Shakespeare's indelible influence. About the Author James Shapiro, who teaches English at Columbia University in New York, is author of several books, including 1599: A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare (winner of the BBC4 Samuel Johnson Prize in 2006), as well as Contested Will: Who Wrote Shakespeare? He also serves on the Board of the Royal Shakespeare Company