I bought this book on 4 June 2018 at the book store of Globe theatre, London. We were watching Hamlet.
This is a book that rewards reading prior to seeing a Shakespeare’s play and after seeing it for readers who want an analysis of the plot and the words used by Shakespeare.
This excellent book is not a book on his life, the politics of that era, the social activities or the history of the Globe. Instead, Kermode divides his book into 2 parts using the years 1599-1600, the 2 years when Shakespeare was at the peak of his career.
Part 1 covers in 60 pages all his plays prior to the magical year 1600. You have my favourite play ie. The Merchant of Venice, and Romeo and Juliet.
Part 2 is more substantial and you have the heavyweights and my favourites like Hamlet, King Lear and Macbeth.
This is a book to read and savour for all times. The writing is brisk and readable.