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The Bard: A Mixed Top Fifteen
1. The Winter's Tale
With the famous 'Exit, pursued by a bear' stage direction, this is a tragicomedy perfect for spring. I would have to say it's my all time favourite Shakey play.
2. Shakespeare by Bill Bryson
Kind of an oldie in the world of Shakespeare now but it's a goodie. A short and sweet look at the man himself.
3. Titus Andronicus
Titus is violent, bloody and full of horrendously wonderful puns (usually about Lavinia's lack of hands). Lavinia is a feminist's dream to critically analyse. I saw it performed at The Globe when I was about 15/16 so I'm pretty stoked to see it's coming back this year.
4. The Marlowe Papers by Ros Barber
This is a novel in verse based on the argument that Kit Marlowe was actually the author of Shakespeare's plays. It is phenomenal.
5. Play on a page posters
I have the Much Ado poster adorning my wall (a lovely gift from my sister). I also really fancy this poster. I've clearly moved on from boy band and cuddly animal posters...
6. Everybody Dies poster
This also came as a sheet of gift wrap which I bought instead of the poster because, well, it was so much cheaper. I'm still going to hang it. Though perhaps it isn't the cheeriest print I could put on my wall.
7. The Taming of the Shrew
A witty, funny, and slightly questionable play in feminist terms, but it is brilliant. It has spawned some equally brilliant adaptations - Ten Things I Hate About You being the best thing ever.
8. The Bookman's Tale by Charlie Lovett
This was a recent read all about forgery, Shakespeare and the usual Shakespeare authorship question. A fast-paced novel full of literary intrigue.
9. Shakespeare's Insults Pyjamas
Because, well, why not?!
10. Shakespeare's Wife by Germaine Greer
Yonks ago I saw Germaine Greer do her stage version of this book and it was so good I rushed out of the auditorium and bought the book from the very handily situated vendor by the door. Love it.
11. Shakespeare Star Wars
Did you know there was a second? Neither did I until one turned up on my doorstep sent by my best friend. The perfect gift for a Shakespeare and Star Wars nerd.
12. The RSC Complete Works of Shakespeare
This book is so beautiful I'm speechless when I look at it. It's also pretty heavy but I can look past that.
13. Macbeth
No list would be complete without Mac-B. An atmospheric and chilling play to read and watch. I loved the BBC Shakespeare Retold version with James McAvoy.
14. Shakespeare's Restless World by Neil MacGregor
This is one of those 'in a 100 objects' books (it's not 100 objects here, but around 20). It is detailed and so very interested. The physical book is a beaut too.
15. Baz Luhrmann does Romeo and Juliet
One of my favourite film adaptations EVER. Someone give Leo an Oscar dammit! Shakespeare and guns is a tricky one to pull off but Luhrmann does and with some serious pizazz.
So there we are, my top fifteen Shakespeare related goodies. I could quite easily have filled this list with Shakespeare's works but I think we can often enjoy the genius of Willy-Shakes through other means. Would you agree?
Do you have any recommendations to add?
