Bill Bryson's biography of William Shakespeare analyzes the myths, academic discoveries, and superstitions surrounding the life of our greatest poet and playwright.

Since he conquered the Elizabethan London stage 400 years ago, Shakespeare remains in the spotlight. His fame comes not only from his works—which are performed in school halls and the world's most iconic theaters—but also from his enigmatic personality. His face is familiar to everyone, yet in reality, we know very little about the man behind the masterpieces.

Shakespeare's life, despite the study of generations of biographers and scholars, is still a web of myths and traditions, some paradoxical and others contradictory, organized around a few known facts about the Bard—from his birth in Stratford to leaving his second-best bed to his wife when he died.

Bryson takes us on a journey through the streets of Elizabethan and Jacobean England, examining centuries of stories, half-truths, and outright lies surrounding our greatest playwright. With a steady hand and his characteristic humor, he presents a series of interesting characters while celebrating the magic of Shakespeare's language and enjoying the details of the Bard's life, follies, poetry, and plays.

Pages: 224, Dimensions: 12.9x12.9cm