The Living World Of Shakespeare

In a world where the Bard’s quill still seems to drip with the ink of life, John Wain’s "The Living World Of Shakespeare" explores the enigmatic existence of William Shakespeare as if he were a character from one of his own plays—unfolding in a haze of sonnets and the occasional existential crisis. Published in 1964, this Penguin classic invites you to contemplate the undulating waves of Elizabethan theatre, where the air was thick with the scent of ambition, betrayal, and, presumably, a fair amount of pomade.

Imagine if Shakespeare himself had taken a brief respite from penning tragedies and comedies to pen a bestseller about his own life. What would that look like? Spoiler alert: it likely wouldn’t include any tips on how to master the perfect iambic pentameter, but rather a delightful romp through the cobbled streets of Stratford-upon-Avon and the smoky taverns of London, where he probably pondered the meaning of life over a pint or two of ale, whilst dodging the occasional bad review. Wain, with his ever-so-slightly sardonic tone, brings this quaint yet complex world to your living room, making you wonder if you’re reading literature or a cheeky history lesson wrapped in a leather-bound cover.

As you meander through the pages, you’ll encounter a host of curiosities, including Shakespeare’s musings on the human condition and the untold stories of the players who flitted in and out of his life like ghosts in a misty forest. Does Wain dare to suggest that the great man himself was more than just a playwright? Yes, he does—he was a multifaceted genius who grappled with fame, love, and the inexplicable urge to write things down, leaving us mere mortals to decode his thoughts centuries later, possibly over tea and scones.

Wain’s prose is a delightful blend of scholarly inquiry and cheeky irreverence, perfect for those who find themselves caught between the lofty aspirations of literary analysis and the equally lofty task of staying awake through it. As you flip through the pages, prepare to be dazzled (or perhaps mildly amused) by Wain’s ability to elevate trivia into high art. Did you know, for example, that Shakespeare may have had a preference for doublets over trousers? Well, if Wain didn’t say that, he certainly could have, and wouldn’t that be a conversation starter at your next book club meeting?

Condition: Good. Yes, this book is in good condition, which is a euphemism for "slightly worn but still very much alive," much like the Shakespearean characters Wain so adores. The pages might be yellowing like the dreams of those who attempted to act in the Bard’s plays, and the cover may have seen better days—much like King Lear after a particularly stormy night. But fear not, dear reader, for the words within remain vibrant, brimming with the essence of an era that cherished language as both weapon and balm.

As you delve deeper into Wain’s exploration, you will encounter a treasure trove of insights that inspire and perplex in equal measure. Here are just a few delightful tidbits you might expect to glean from this literary escapade:

• The role of women in Shakespeare’s life—intriguing and scandalous!
• A tour of the lesser-known haunts that inspired his plays, complete with dubious anecdotes.
• The odd habit of contemporary critics and how they fawned over or flayed his genius.
• Speculations on Shakespeare’s favourite drink (spoiler: it’s probably not water).
• Some rather odd theories about his mysterious disappearance from history. Was he abducted by time travellers?

So, if your bookshelf is in dire need of a quirky companion piece, look no further! "The Living World Of Shakespeare" is your ticket to a literary soirée that’s part history, part whimsy, and all entertaining. Don’t miss this opportunity to snatch up a slice of Shakespearean life as sold by Crappy Old Books, where the only thing more eclectic than our inventory is our sense of humour.

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