War Horse author Sir Michael Morpurgo is refusing to include The Merchant Of Venice in a new book adapting Shakespeare’s plays for children under 16. He has decided the anti-Semitic portrayal of Jewish money lender Shylock is too ‘raw’ for young minds. Without doubt, the play may be considered offensive by modern standards. But that … Read more
The Bard really can banish your blues! Author who turned to Shakespeare after having a stroke, reveals how the playwright’s works continue to connect with different audiences Robert McCrum has penned a new book exploring the influence of Shakespeare Author reveals the playwright’s works became his ‘life’ after having a stroke Reflects on Shakespeare’s plays … Read more
Forsooth, gentle reader, is this, or is this not the week of Shakespeare’s birth? According to parish records in Stratford-upon-Avon, the Bard was baptised on April 26, and at the time it was customary for this to happen three days after an infant’s birth. Which would suggest he was born on the 23rd. But soft … Read more
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell (Tinder Press £20, 384 pp) Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell (Tinder Press £20, 384 pp) This is Maggie O’Farrell’s first foray into historical fiction, and, as with her contemporary work, it’s the ebb and flow of emotions that carry this heartbreaking, beautifully written story along on its melancholy current. On a hazy … Read more