English Drama - 16th-17th Century - Elizabethan & Jacobean Eras - Shakespeare - Literary Criticism, Shakespeare - Book Notes

Theatergoer's Guide to Shakespeare

Name: Theatergoer's Guide to Shakespeare
Author: Robert Thomas Fallon
ISBN: 9781566635080

by Robert Thomas Fallon

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Overview

In surveys of the plays that will help readers and viewers follow the action with ease and understanding, Robert Fallon opens a window to Shakespeare's time while illuminating the timelessness of his works. Mr. Fallon examines the most frequently staged plays scene by scene, and those less frequently performed act by act. He provides intelligent readers with incisive and engaging commentary on character, theme, setting, poetry, and stage history. Wonderfully reader-friendly. —William Kerrigan, University of Massachusetts at Amherst

Synopsis

An intelligent introduction to the wondrous works of William Shakespeare.

Jack Helbig, Booklist - Jack Helbig

[M]aps out, with faultless accuracy, the twists and turns of every play from King Lear to The Two Noble Kinsmen.

About the Author, Robert Thomas Fallon

Robert Thomas Fallon is professor emeritus of English at La Salle University in Philadelphia. In addition to A Theatergoer’s Guide to Shakespeare (which concerned itself largely with plot), A Theatergoer’s Guide to Shakespeare’s Themes, and A Theatergoer’s Guide to Shakespeare’s Characters, and How to Enjoy Shakespeare (all published by Ivan R. Dee), he has written three books on John Milton. He lives in Lumberville, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia.

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Editorials

American Theatre

A nifty compendium...those who pride themselves on their cultural literacy won’t admit it, but this book is as handy as they come.
— Steven Drukman, University of Chicago, Co-Editor of the Plays for Performance Series

Jack Helbig

[M]aps out, with faultless accuracy, the twists and turns of every play from King Lear to The Two Noble Kinsmen.
— Jack Helbig, Booklist

Midwestern Book Review

A Theatergoer's Guide To Shakespeare . . . will delight both beginning theater buffs and those studying Shakespeare. Fallon's treatment avoids the usual jargon and presents a clear picture of the play's events and characters, providing lively commentary on the plots and history.

Steven Drukman

A Theatergoer’s Guide provides an act-by-act sequence of events that is distilled without being dunderheaded.... Reader-friendly in the extreme, the book elucidates elusive allusions, provides historical contexts and even offers a brief (albeit tentative) critical assessment for every play.
— Stephen Drukman, American Theater

Library Journal

For over 400 years, William Shakespeare's plays have entertained audiences around the world. Recent film versions of both his comedies and his tragedies have proved to be highly popular. Many people, however, are puzzled on their first encounter with Shakespeare, because of his language and allusions to the Elizabethan era. To solve this problem, Fallon (English, LaSalle Univ.; Divided Empire: Milton's Political Imagery) has written a book for the general reader that is free of academic jargon. He provides scene-by-scene and act-by-act plot summaries of the Bard's most frequently staged comedies, tragedies, and histories, furnishing the necessary background for a greater appreciation of Shakespeare's works and their timelessness. The result is an entertaining and accessible book that brings Shakespeare to life. Highly recommended for all libraries, whether high school, public, or academic. Howard Miller, St. Louis Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Booknews

Fallon (English, emeritus, La Salle U., Philadelphia) provides an act-by-act sequence of the events that take place in 34 of Shakespeare's plays. Written in descriptive, non-scholarly language, the book is intended for Shakespeare students as well as theater buffs. Includes a brief appendix of technical terms. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

From The Critics

A Theatergoer's Guide To Shakespeare provides a companion to the plots, characters and themes of Shakespeare's plays, and will delight both beginning theater buffs and those studying Shakespeare. Fallon's treatment avoids the usual jargon and presents a clear picture of the play's events and characters, providing lively commentary on the plots and history. A recommended picks for a wide range of audiences, from students to drama fans.