Winner of the Baillie Gifford Prize and the Baillie Gifford 'Winner of Winners' award in 2023. How did Shakespeare go from being a talented poet and playwright to becoming one of the greatest writers who ever lived? In this year, we follow what he read and wrote, what he saw and with whom he collaborated, as he invests in the new Globe theater and creates four of his most famous plays - Henry V, Julius Caesar, As You Like It and, most notably, Hamlet. This book brings the news, intrigue, and flavor of the era together with wonderful details on how Shakespeare worked as an actor, entrepreneur and playwright, creating an exceptionally immediate and captivating narrative of an inspired moment in history.
“A brilliant study, carefully analyzing just one year in Shakespeare's life ... The bold focus on just one year is majestically rewarding.” — Sunday Times
“A much richer, more intimate portrait of our greatest writer than you are likely to find in any 'cradle-to-grave' biography.” — Daily Mail
“Compelling and enlightening.” — Telegraph
“A gripping and utterly believable portrait of a talented workman ... Shapiro's informed excitement and energetic prose is addictive.” — Guardian
Pages: 464, Dimensions: 12.6x12.6cm
