The Meaning of Shakespeare, Volume 2 - (Phoenix Books) by Harold C Goddard (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A classic, accessible guide to the plays of Shakespeare by a legendary teacher and scholar

Centuries after they were originally performed, the plays of Shakespeare continue to inspire, entertain, and awe audiences and readers today. At the same time, however, there's no question that even the most sophisticated reader can sometimes benefit from the insight and guidance of an expert when entering Shakespeare's long-gone world and complicated figurative language.

William Goddard is here to help. He taught Shakespeare for decades as much-loved professor at Swarthmore College, and here he distills that experience into an accessible, engaging companion to the plays. Across two volumes, Goddard covers all of Shakespeare's plays and brings fresh insight to familiar characters, scenes, and verses. Goddard writes, "The greatest poetry has always depicted the world as a little citadel of nobility threatened by an immense barbarism, a flickering candle surrounded by infinite night" Shakespeare's candle still burns, and with Goddard's help we can all see it brighter than ever.

From the Back Cover

In two magnificent and authoritative volumes, Harold C. Goddard takes readers on a tour through the works of William Shakespeare, celebrating his incomparable plays and unsurpassed literary genius.

Review Quotes

"A work fully in the tradition of Samuel Johnson, William Hazlitt and A. C. Bradley. This superb commentary upon all of Shakespeare's plays has been an inspiration to me for a half century, and I never tire of recommending it passionately to my own students."--Harold Bloom

About the Author

Harold C. Goddard (1878-1950) was the head of the English Department at Swarthmore College from 1909 to 1946.