Publisher, Audio Partners (November 2000)

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Welcome to Shakespeare's world! This original audio presentation (never available as a print book) offers a fascinating look at the playwright's influences. Plus, two great Shakespearean actors perform excerpts from 33 plays, plus three poems. With this introduction to Shakespeare, the modern listener gains perspective on the dramatic genius that created timeless enjoyment and satisfaction.

The performance extracts are linked by an informative and well-researched commentary written and read by the authors. The commentary offer a glimpse of the great man himself with many fascinating facts and little-known information about the bard and his literature. Ideal for the student of Shakespeare, Dench and West's performances serve as an exquisite reminder of how beautiful his words can sound given the best treatment and without the mass of scholarship that often surrounds the world's greatest playwright.

About the Authors: Richard Hampton and David Weston, are actors and directors with the Royal Shakespeare Company. They wrote this exclusive audio presentation based on their experience in teaching and directing other actors. They have not published any other works.

About the Narrators: Dame Judi Dench, recipient of the 1999 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Shakespeare in Love, has had a prolific career with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. Currently, she is working in a film in production and slated to be released in 2001 : Therese Raquin, starring Kate Winslet and directed by David Leveaux.

Timothy West is a well-known British actor. He has performed with major theater companies, on British television, and in many films. He also reads The Audio Partners' Barchester Towers.