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Fascinating book discussing how Shakespeare plays were enacted and interpreted differently over the years based upon events and sentiments of those times. #bookly #nonfiction #Shakespeare

Some chapters are truly fascinating… others seem like a stretch. But all tell the tale of how America digests her Shakespeare. I suppose Shapiro‘s goal is to show how Americans continue to interpret Shakespeare‘s works through the current events of the time. I didn‘t need the book to tell me that, but the journey through history was worthwhile nonetheless.

You can learn everything you need to know about this book by reading the title. And, no, that is not a compliment. The Shakespeare connections were weak. I now have new awareness of tantalizing events - like a deadly riot in NY between fans of various Shakespeare thespians - but no understanding of its significance. So I am not sure there‘s much of a thesis here other than the annoying idea that all the world‘s a Shakespeare play. Total pan.

This book explored Shakespeare as a canary in a coal mine for American politics. I loved it as an audiobook, and plan on buying a paper copy so I can underline.

A surprisingly exciting history of Shakespeare performances at major turning points in American politics/culture. I completely binged the audiobook.

The cat and the current read.
Look at that eye.
I should rename him Smaug.

#catsandbooks

Just starting this book but buoyed by a return to reality in our nation...now for unity and progress...looking to hope with the new dawn.
❤️

There's a lot to like in this collection of essays for this English/History teacher and nerd. What I think Shapiro has done most successfully, is articulate through a range of contexts and examples he demonstrates how the works of Shakespeare remain relevant cultural touchstones which continue to speak to our lived experiences in this world. I felt the strongest essays were those that examined Julius Caesar in the context of Trump's America.

3.5 ⭐️ This was an interesting look at how Shakespeare‘s plays have often reflected current cultural attitudes in America over the years. Some of the early stuff in the book on how prior presidents attributed importance to the plays and the parts on early theater in NYC were fascinating. Overall a little light on both history and analysis, but a fun read.

A few yrs ago, Shakespeare in the Park mounted a production of Julius Caesar, with Trumpian aesthetics. Fox Republicans lost their minds... Shapiro witnessed the events as they unfolded and was inspired to write this NF book about how Shakespeare has reflected US divisions since the early 19th century. Really interesting and thought provoking. Ordered a print copy even though it won‘t arrive until Feb (audiobook poor in narration & production)

This appeared on the NYT list of Best 10 Books of 2020 last week. I wanted to read it right away, but wanted a print copy. I was unable to find one so went w/the audiobook edition. I am loving the content: interesting takes in the intersection of Shakespearean & American culture, but I am regretting not waiting for a back order of the book. The audio is poorly narrated & edited and; would‘ve benefited from including a PDF of the images mentioned

An interesting take on Shakespeare's influence in America.

I liked some chapters very much and some very little. The modern chapters eg on Shakespeare in Love, Harvey Weinstein and 90s social attitudes was SO original. Other chapters felt like grab bags of history facts without much message - I‘m struggling to see why the early C19 trend for women to play Romeo is linked to manifest destiny expanding slavery in the period. I‘m not saying there‘s no link, but he didn‘t explain it much at all.

A marvellous analysis of responses to Shakespeare‘s works in America over the last four hundred years. Shapiro is one of the leading Shakespearean scholars, and this book demonstrates why. See my Goodreads review at: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3373857968. #jamesshapiro #williamshakespeare #shakespeareinadividedamerica #shakespeare #history #literature #politics #literaryhistory #america #juliuscaesar #abrahamlincoln

James Shapiro consolidates his position as one of the finest Shakespearean academics of his generation with this history of the Bard‘s political impact in the USA. Fascinating, yet also alarming. #jamesshapiro #shakespeareinadividedamerica #williamshakespeare #literarycriticism #shakespeare #history #literaryhistory #literature #criticism #america #americanhistory #abrahamlincoln #johnwilkesbooth

I can‘t wait to read this after listening to the Q&A from Hay Literature Festival, Shapiro is so passionate but straightforward in his discussion of Shakespeare it‘s really refreshing.

Listening to James Shapiro at the Hay Festival - love this festival format so much. Long may it exist in some digital format. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

My main man, Bill is still at it, stirring up controversy.the book covers plays stage from 1833 up to the Delacort‘s 2017 version of Julius Caesar. Fascinating to see how Shakespeare‘s words still are powerful and being about passion.

Short article and interview with James Shapiro in the BBC History magazine - talking about how Shakespeare and modern day politics collide. He‘s talking at the Hay Digital Festival in a few weeks too 🤔