Book description
A THE TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2019
'The best introduction to the plays I've read, perhaps the best book on Shakespeare, full stop' Alex Preston, Observer
'It makes you impatient to see or re-read the plays at once' Hilary Mantel
A genius and prophet whose timeless works encapsulate the…
- Coming soon!
Why read it?
2 authors picked This Is Shakespeare as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
This book will appeal to people who love and know Shakespeare well or to people who don’t know Shakespeare very well but would like to know more about his famous plays.
I loved this book because Smith divides the book into relatively short chapters on each of the bard’s plays, for each of which she provides a unique and interesting perspective.
Smith is an entertaining and informative guide who looks for contemporary resonances, none of which feel forced. Having written a book about the Beatles, I know how daunting it can be to take up a subject about which much…
A book of immense humanity and authenticity, which reminds us of how the great themes of great literature and art can offer solace and guidance in moments of fragility. By helping us go back to Shakespeare with less insecurity or baggage, the book opens up new perspectives on how others have grappled with these questions about how to be human. And it reminds us that we are allowed to question, challenge, and have fun.
From Tom's list on navigating an unstable world.
If you love This Is Shakespeare...
These Blue Mountains
A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.
German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…
Want books like This Is Shakespeare?
Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like This Is Shakespeare.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,395
readers submitted
so far, will you?
📚 If you like This Is Shakespeare, you might also like...
In Bad Faith
Nelson West, a former Chicago homicide detective, is hired by wealthy heir Lionel Bing to discreetly help “fix” scandals and legal problems for his father’s wealthy friends.
Bing, a brilliant but troubled investigator, suffers from PTSD symptoms as a result of being kidnapped and witnessing the murder of his mother…
Your Sun Will Rise Again
Your Sun Will Rise Again is a powerful collection of poetic reflections on hope, resilience, and the human spirit. Written with sincerity and depth, these poems speak directly to those navigating life’s challenges, offering comfort, clarity, and quiet strength in difficult moments.
Through simple yet profound language, the book reminds…
