Why read Pronouncing Shakespeare?

Book cover of Pronouncing Shakespeare

Book description

How did Shakespeare's plays sound when they were originally performed? How can we know, and could the original pronunciation ever be recreated? For three days, Shakespeare's Globe presented a production of Romeo and Juliet in original, Shakespearian pronunciation. In an unusual blend of autobiography, narrative, and academic content, David Crystal…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Pronouncing Shakespeare as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Asya Pereltsvaig

Author

While linguistics often seems highly theoretical or academic, David Crystal beautifully demonstrates one of its practical, real-world applications.

The book vividly transported me to London’s Globe Theatre, where a dedicated group of theatre and linguistics enthusiasts recreated the original pronunciation of the Bard's plays. I loved learning that the English spoken by Queen Elizabeth II sounds nothing like the language used during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

What I found most compelling is Crystal’s explanation of how reversing four centuries of language evolution can reveal hidden meanings—and comedic jokes—that Shakespeare originally intended for his audience.

From Asya's list on Asya Pereltsvaig's favorite books about how language works that even a linguist enjoys reading.