About the Book:

In 1587, when William Shakespeare was twenty-three, the acting troupe Queen's Men played in his hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon with one player short. Shakespeare s childhood fascination with theatre suddenly found a perfect outlet – he joined the Queen's Men and replaced the missing actor. Shortly thereafter young William traveled to London in pursuit of an acting career. But acting soon gave way to an even more glorious adventure when Shakespeare realized that he might have a talent for writing plays.

Setting the playwright in context to his personal life, social, historical and political events, other writers of influence, and more, you will quickly gain a deep understanding of Shakespeare and the plays he wrote. Read Shakespeare in an Hour and experience his plays like never before. Know the playwright, love the play!

The book features:

What people say:

"Essential and enjoyable reading for any theatergoer." — Doug Langworthy, Literary Manager and Dramaturg, Denver Center Theatre Company

"The perfect supplement to the text for classrooms and rehearsals. I highly recommend it." — E. Frank Bluestein, Disney Performing Arts Teacher of the Year

About the Author:

Christopher Baker is a dramaturg, playwright, director and teacher with over 30 years' experience in regional, Off-Broadway and academic theatre. From 1998 to 2013 he was a member of the artistic staff at Hartford Stage, serving in various capacities, including Associate Artistic Director, Associate Producer and Senior Dramaturg.

Robert Brustein (1927-2023) was a giant in the theatrical world as critic, playwright, crusader for artistic integrity and founder of two of the leading regional theaters. He was founding director of the Yale Repertory Theatre and of the American Repertory Theatre and was drama critic for the New Republic for almost fifty years. He is the author of six plays, eleven adaptations, and sixteen books.