Amanda Murray's purpose, with this guide, is to teach you HOW to understand (and teach) Shakespeare in a way that keeps alive the theatrical nature of his work without your having to step onstage! "My purpose is to dispel the 'I just can’t understand it. Why do they talk so funny?' mantra of our modern culture. My hope, through the study of Shakespeare, is that you will learn not just about his work but will be able to see how, like many other playwrights throughout time, he was a product of and commented on the world that surrounded him."

Through the study of his work, you will understand how this man, wise beyond his years, tapped into the splendor of life itself and what it means to be a valiant, loved, honest, courageous and flawed human being capable of the best and the worst. Through his work, it is possible to integrate studies of history, medicine, law, interpersonal communication, literature, politics and the many other subjects that are touched on in the plays.

The book is full-color throughout, and printed on high-quality paper. The 8.5" x 11" book is coil-bound, making it easy to open and lay flat for study.