A BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week
-Excellent.- New Statesman
-Outstanding.- Irish Times
-Enthralling.- Guardian
-Shapiro at his best.- Daily Telegraph
From the author of 1599, a fresh perspective on the history of the United States - and a timely reminder of Shakespeare-s indelible influence.
Shakespeare-s position as England-s national poet is unquestionable. But as James Shapiro illuminates in this revelatory new history, Shakespeare has long held an essential place in American culture too. Why, though, would a proudly independent republic embrace England-s greatest writer? Especially when his works enact so many of America-s darkest nightmares: interracial marriage, cross-dressing, same-sex love, tyranny and assassination?
Shapiro leads us to fascinating answers and startling stories.
