Synopses & Reviews
The
Oxford School Shakespeare has become the preferred introduction to the literary legacy of the greatest playwright in the English language. This exclusive collection of the Bard's best works has been designed specifically for readers new to Shakespeare's rich literary legacy. Each play is presented complete and unabridged, in large print. Every book is well illustrated, and starts with a commentary and character summary. Scene synopses and character summaries clarify confusing plots, while incisive essays explore the historical context and Shakespeare's sources. Each book ends with a complete list of Shakespeare's plays and a brief chronology of the Bard's life. The detailed explanatory notes are written clearly and positioned right next to the text--no more squinting at microscopic footnotes or flipping pages back and forth in search of endnotes!
The new edition of the series features new covers and new illustrations, including both new drawings and photos from recent productions of Shakespeare's plays around the globe. In addition, the notes and the introductory material have been completely revised in line with new research and in order to make them clearer and more accessible. Finally, the entire text has been redesigned and reset to enhance readability. The new edition achieves the feat of unprecedented clarity of presentation without any cuts to the original text or the detailed explanations.
Synopsis
One of Shakespeare's most popular and light-hearted plays,
Twelfth Night engages one of Shakespeare's favorite themes, the discrepancy between appearance and reality. The play weaves together a series of plots and subplots into a seamless tapestry of deception and trickery, love achieved and pomposity exposed. With its colorful cast of characters, from Duke Orsino and Countess Olivia, to Feste the clown, the drunken prankster Toby Belch, the shape-shifting Viola, and the vainglorious Malvolio,
Twelfth Night presents an unforgettable slice of Elizabethan life that still resonates wonderfully today.
Oxford School Shakespeare presents acclaimed editions especially designed for students, with accessible on-page notes and explanatory illustrations, clear background information, and rigorous but accessible scholarly credentials. In this edition of Twelfth Night, illustrations have been extended and updated; the preliminary notes have been expanded; reading lists have been updated, and include websites; and the classroom notes have been brought in line with recent practice. This edition of Twelfth Night offers high school students everything they need to understand and, most importantly, to enjoy this marvelous work.
About the Author
Roma Gill, the series editor, has taught Shakespeare at all levels. She has acted in and directed Shakespeare's plays, and has lectured on Shakespeare all over the world.