Book Review: The Shakespeare Book

Friday, April 29, 2016
Book Review: The Shakespeare Book
If you didn't know, April marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's birthday and his death. I haven't read any of his plays or sonnets since I was in high school and I was forced to read and analyse Romeo and Juliet which I think I would have loved if I didn't have to read it so much! However, even though in school I had to study a couple of his sonnets, I still loved them!

I have been searching online for books on an introduction to or summary of Shakespeare and I came across the Big Ideas range from DK Publishing which looks amazing! They have a range of gorgeous books on so many topics such as literature, science, politics, philosophy, movies, religion, psychology, history and more! I was super excited when I received *'The Shakespeare Book available now, priced £16.99, published by DK and *The Sherlock Holmes Book available now, priced £16.99 published by DK.
Book Review: The Shakespeare Book
The Shakespeare Book cover is SO gorgeous, as is The Sherlock Holmes Book cover and they both look gorgeous on my bookshelf - the deep red and metallic gold combination is so pretty! They are both hardcover books and would make lovely gifts, especially for Father's Day which is on the 19th June in the UK.

I adore the illustrations on the cover and all of the many others throughout the book; I also love the timeline diagrams and photographs. The layout of the book is organised, easy to follow and understand. It contains sections on each of Shakespeare's plays with a detailed but interesting and concise summary of the play, it's impact, the main themes and a breakdown of the acts/scenes.

Overall, even though I've only read a couple of sections so far, I'm loving it. I wish I had a book like this in high school, it would have made everything so much easier. It's only 343 pages which doesn't sound like a lot but it is quite heavy *literally* so it will take me a while to fully get through but it is the kind of book you can dip in and out of. I can't wait to carry on with the book and to start on The Sherlock Holmes Book! Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

*Can you believe that this is my 1000th blog post, yes, 1000th!!!* 

Have you read any of the Big Ideas books? Have you read any of Shakespeare's plays or sonnets? 

15 comments

  1. 1000th blog post!? WHAT!? Congratulations on such a feat!

    The books sound great, and are truly gorgeous. I would love the Sherlock Holmes one.


    Angie x | Chocolate & Lipstick || UK Beauty and Lifestyle Blog

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  2. Omg this book looks right up my street, I love Shakespeare so much <3 congrats on your 1000th post too! x
    britishmermaid.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Me too - I can't wait to carry on reading x

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  3. I've always wanted to read Romeo and Juliet, although I've already watch the movies. Anyway, I love the covers of those books, I wish we have them here.

    Love, Fads

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  4. Congrats on your 1000th post! Amazing!

    These books look fab. It sounds like a much easier read! x

    Mapped Out | Fashion, Beauty, Lifestyle

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  5. Congratulations on your 1000th post! This book sounds lovely too :)

    http://claresloves.blogspot.com/

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  6. Well done on 1000 posts and keep them coming! I love reading them. xx

    Julie
    www.rainingcake.com

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  7. These look so lovely just to have as part of a book collection! I purchased the Psychology edition myself, seeing that I absolutely love the subject area and am studying it at university. It's true that these books do a really good job at summarising, a great introductory book to the field. I would love to get my hands on the Shakespeare one :)

    www.lovefrommaira.co.uk

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    1. I want the psychology one too - I studied psychology at uni three years ago now x

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  8. I have a few of the Big Ideas books and think it's such a fantastic concept :) I will definitely check out the Shakespeare one next xx

    Jasmine Talks Beauty

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