嘉越．飛越

What if we told you that the greatest writer in the English language was born the son of a glove maker and spent his childhood chasing sheep in the muddy countryside? “Shakespeare: Great Lives in Graphics” brings the story of William Shakespeare to life through a vibrant visual journey. It illustrates how a provincial teenager, equipped with folktales and practical skills, evolved into a timeless voice for humanity. This book is ideal for readers of all ages and history lovers, featuring striking images, engaging timelines, and modern connections to delve into Shakespeare’s world.

Through the book, readers can easily envision young William memorizing plant remedies such as rosemary for memory and thyme for courage—elements that later infused his plays. Likewise, storytelling by the fire, where farmers recounted tales of witches and lovers, prepared him to craft characters like the witches in “Macbeth”.

Furthermore, an eye-opening infographic enables readers to compare Shakespeare’s life to that of today. In his time, the average Englishman died at just 35 years old due to disease and poor living conditions. By that age, Shakespeare had already written “Romeo and Juliet” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, founded a theater company, and endured a pandemic.

The book also offers readers a sensory spectacle of theatre. For instance, how did the audience know if they were about to see a comedy or a tragedy? The book explains the Globe Theatre’s color-coded flags: white for comedy, red for history, and black for tragedy. It also features ‘cards’ that highlight key elements of Shakespeare’s works, such as the supernatural – encompassing witches, fairies, and ghosts - as well as the concept of the tragic flaw, which refers to the character flaw of the hero, like that of Hamlet. Besides, Shakespeare invented over 1,700 new words by playing with language! Interestingly, this book even encourages contemporary readers to create their own words through wordplay, just like Shakespeare did.

This book turns 400 years of history into a lively visual feast, showcasing how a country boy’s humble beginnings blossomed into the rich stories we cherish today. It also invites readers of all ages to explore the life of one of history’s most influential figures, ignite a love for literature and the arts, and make a valuable addition to any library or classroom.