This is a wonderful book for children by Charles and Mary Lamb because they distil Shakespeare's work into tales which can be understood by children. Now Shakespeare is difficult and every child will have to come to grips with him sooner or later because we all have to learn the work of the great man. Shakespeare is often referred to as 'the greatest playwright who ever lived.' Along with the Bible (St James Version- that magnificent work of Literature - his collected works are deemed a must if for example you were stranded on a desert Island. Not only is his work incredibly difficult because he writes in early English, his characters are complex but very flawed human beings which I sometimes think need a qualification in psychology to understand. However, his plots are brilliant and he is a formidable story teller. How awful then if people were put off just because he is difficult and complex, often creating words. His themes are universal, his characters are people like us. They have the same motivations, the same dreams and fears. His language is rich and he employs a multitude of literary devices to get his message across.
This book is also suitable for adults and can be used alongside 'Doing Shakespeare' by Simon Palfrey and 'Beginning Shakespeare by Lisa Hopkins - all 3 publications can be purchased through Amazon. I mentioned psychology earlier. Lisa Hopkins has a whole chapter devoted to psychoanalysis since she says a considerable number of Shakespeare's work has had psychoanalytic interpretations. The point about these two extra books is that they augment understanding and the reader can appreciate Shakespeare's reason for using words when both authors give clear and convincing reasons for Shakespeare's use of say 'repetition.'
Look here at these words used by Macbeth when he's agonising over the murder of Duncan.
'If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well
It were done quickly'
Macbeth is trying to be decisive, but he is showing procrastination.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
WARNING: This is a NOT a true copy
The original Tales from Shakespeare has 20 short stories included in it. This book has only three plays from the original book. There are none of the illustrations that have been in earlier versions of it. In addition, the photocopy work is terrible. I understand that there will be potential issues but the inconsistencies in the book I received are egregious. I will be returning this book as it is not a true copy of the original. Buyer beware. Hopefully they will get a true copy of it instead of this abridged version.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2014
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2022
Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2022
Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2023
The original Tales from Shakespeare has 20 short stories included in it. This book has only three plays from the original book. There are none of the illustrations that have been in earlier versions of it. In addition, the photocopy work is terrible. I understand that there will be potential issues but the inconsistencies in the book I received are egregious. I will be returning this book as it is not a true copy of the original. Buyer beware. Hopefully they will get a true copy of it instead of this abridged version.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2018
Top reviews from other countries
kwg
Entspricht nicht der bekannten Version von C. und M. Lamb. Keine Überschriften, keine Bilder.
Reviewed in Germany on February 25, 2024
Bill Norton
Who Knew Shakespeare's Stories Were So Good!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 25, 2021