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Matt’s 2023 Shakespeare Challenge
Liking this. You did say to me that you were pairing fiction and nonfiction. Looking good. I am sure you are getting whole new insights and seeing whole new possibilties. Good luck with these pairings!
This is very fun, Matt--great choices! I'm looking forward to following your progress.
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This seems a great plan, Matt. Enjoy!
Matt, you are going to love Project Hail Mary!! I'm excited for you!
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It's funny I was just thinking about this today too, Matt, that I will probably try to read more newer books next year. There are so many classics, that it's easy to put the newer ones aside. But balance really is important. I enjoyed your Project Hail Mary review! Enjoy your planning. :-)
Matt how I'm loving your challenge. Let me know if you want a buddy read for 1 or 2 of these plays. . . . And a revisit of one of the long poems would be good too, if you want someone to read with.
Just one more comment. These are plays Matt. Watching them before or during or after is not cheating. It is what the playwright intended. Many colleges and universities along with some professional productions and some movie versions are available on You Tube.
Have fun!
I love your challenge, Matt. I would love to do this sometime. I want to finish all the ones I haven't read first and then maybe I'll go through them in order.
Great challenge, Matt! I remember doing this years ago (OMG decades ago! I mean, I had to buy the complete works for Shakespeare class in college. Might as well read it). Took me nearly 2 months going straight thru. Good luck.
What a wonderful goal. Best luck and ENJOY!!
Great start, Matt! King Lear is my favorite Shakespeare play.
Great idea, Matt. I'm doing this, too, but giving myself more than a year to finish. :)
King Lear comes from the twelfth century Historia Regum Britanniae of Geoffrey of Monmouth. This has a couple of vaguely historical passages, such as the chapters with the invasion of Britain by Julius Caesar, and the name of Cymbeline, but it is a tissue of fantasy, with the King Arthur the giant-killer as a main character.This "History of the Kings of Britain" down to the Anglo-Saxons (the English) was treated as true into Stuart times, although there were questions about its reliability from immediately after its appearance and down the medieval centuries.
Since it is about the ethnic British, represented in later times by the Welsh, Cornish, and Bretons, and the promised return of Britain to their rule, the Welsh-derived Tudors came down hard on an Italian historian who made so bold as to describe it as a fabrication.
If anyone is interested I will post links to reliable translations. It is a fun read, for the most part.
Ian wrote: "King Lear comes from the twelfth century Historium Regum Britanniae of Geoffrey of Monmouth. This has a couple of vaguely historical passages, such as the chapters with the invasion of Britain by J..."I'm interested, Ian. Thank you for sharing the historical information!
Matt wrote: "2023 Shakespeare Complete works challenge#2 - King Lear -
Read 1/2/23 - 1/7/23
Rating: 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Interesting that this is based on a true story in British monarchical history. Maybe a co..."
You are moving right along Matt! I loved both your 1st two equally.
I know some people don't like modern productions Shakespeare, (I usually like old and new) but I think the film with Anthony Hopkins as King Lear is excellent.
Sue wrote: I'm interested ..."Okay. These are the four real alternatives, rather than nineteenth-century versions from bad texts which show up on Amazon a lot. They are listed in chronological order of publication.
The History of the Kings of Britain, tr. Lewis Thorpe, Penguin Classics, 1966
https://www.amazon.com/History-Kings-...
Perhaps the best starting place, with a good introduction and really useful index. It has a genuine Kindle edition: other editions link to Kindle versions of obsolete translations, which are cheap because out of copyright, but otherwise hardly worth your time. The textual basis is obsolete, although this makes a difference at a level of precision that the novice reader probably wouldn't notice.
The History of the Kings of Britain. An Edition and Translation of the De gestibus Brittonum, Latin text edited by Michael D. Reeve, tr. Neil Wright. Arthurian Studies LXIX, The Boydell Press, 2007
https://www.amazon.com/History-Kings-...
Currently my preferred edition, but you almost have to have read Thorpe’s Introduction to understand the historical introduction to this one. It assumes you are up on twelfth-century English history. The alternate title, "Of the Deeds of the Britons," is from a passage that had not been sufficiently noted by other editors.
The History of the Kings of Britain, tr. Michael A. Faletra, Broadview Press, 2008
https://www.amazon.com/History-Kings-...
This has valuable appendices, including Geoffrey of Monmouth’s verse companion piece, Vita Merlini (Life of Merlin), not collected elsewhere (although there are separate editions).
The History of the Kings of Britain: The First Variant Version, edited and translated by David W. Burchmore, Dumbarton Oaks Medieval Library, 2019
https://www.amazon.com/History-Kings-...
For serious medievalists and maybe Arthurian fanatics (me). The other translations are from the Vulgate (Common) Version represented by the overwhelming majority of manuscripts (and there are a lot of them: the book was a medieval best-seller of sorts). This edition and translation is based on what may be an earlier draft, and Geoffrey’s name is not on the cover, as it is argued that the Variant Version represents Geoffrey’s source text. I am not quite convinced.
Shakespeare would have known the contents, not from reading Geoffrey, but from the inclusion of its materials in Holinshed's Chronicles, the compendious vernacular history of England that was standard in Tudor times.
Matt wrote: "Sue wrote: "Matt wrote: "2023 Shakespeare Complete works challengethe film with Anthony Hopkins as King Lear is excellent...."
Thanks Sue! You had me at Anthony Hopkins! 😁. He’s one of my favori..."
I hope you like it, Matt! It's done in modern times
I am not familiar with the Works you are reading, Matt. Does it have a gloss on bottom on page or beside the text? I have in recent years settled on The Complete Works of Shakespeare 37 plays, 6 poems edited by David Bevington.
Also some years ago I had a variety of Norton Editions edited by Stephen Greenblatt --editions were histories, tragedies, romances, etc.
These books are edited/glossed by scholars who gear their materials toward college-level rather than for academic/scholarly level.
You can buy the Bevington for low cost because they are not longer reprinted. So be careful of the quality.
If your budget allows, go for the Norton Editions.
I got rid of my Norton Editons because I was moving into smaller space, downsizing. Drats.
The Norton editions are terrific, if you can afford them.Another annotated and glossed Shakespeare, aimed largely at High School and college undergraduate readership, but still valuable for more advanced readers, is the Folger Shakespeare Library, which has replaced the high-school friendly Folger Library General Reader’s Shakespeare series from the 1960s. Both were sponsored by the Folger Library in Washington DC, which has a remarkable collection of early Shakespeare printings, and contemporary art and literature. Both Folger series have facing-page glosses and period illustrations.
The new series is available in paperback and Kindle, and is sometimes remarkably inexpensive, considering modern book prices. It shows a good deal of attention to the problems novice readers are likely to experience, based on decades of feedback by working teachers. You may get tired of having metaphors pointed out. Some printings have cover illustrations by Kinuko Y. Craft. Both series were published by the Washington Square Press, now a division of Pocket Books.
Rather more advanced, in my opinion, and rather more expensive, is the Arden Shakespeare, Third Series, which has been replacing older Second Series editions over the last ten years or so. It has useful glosses, and supplementary readings, prepared by established scholars. Again, there are paperback and, in at least some instances, Kindle editions.
Another replacement series is the New Pelican Shakespeare, which, like a decades-predecessor, has reliable and readable texts with relatively less supporting information.
I still have all my Norton anthologies from college. I used a Nelson Doubleday paperback edition when I did my Shakespeare readings (both volumes in one paperback edition. I still have it. It's been around the world at least 3 times. I had it with me while in the Navy and dated it every deployment I went on. (The only thing I own with more sea time is my original boot camp raincoat. lol)Most of the single editions I had were from the Folger Library. I've since replaced them with leatherbound editions from Easton Press.
I still find the Folger Library editions to be quite good (I have a few left).
Lack of space was one reason why I mentioned Kindle availability. I will check on some other series, like the Signet Shakespeare, when I am more awake (the previous post was the product of insomnia).
For the current revised editions of the Signet Shakespeare (Signet Classics Shakespeare, etc.: all imprints of the New American Library), originally under the general editorship of the late Sylvan Barnet, see https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Signet+Sha...For some reason, this Amazon page sometimes gives the Kindle edition as the primary form, with the paperback as an alternative, and sometimes the other way around.
These are well-edited texts with helpful notes, and appendices with both source texts and major critical articles, the latter having been updated in successive reprint editions. For the general editor, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvan_...
Of the few Shakespeare plays I've read, this one is my favorite, Matt. Such fun! So glad you enjoyed it.
You are doing an amazing job with this challenge--go Matt!
You're doing great, Matt! Soon you'll be ready to tackle Shakespeare in the original Klingon tongue. lolhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsCVu...
Great Matt. Getting big-picture overviews is the best-est place to begin. Rock on!
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LOL I once thought I wanted to read all the Star Trek books...I've manage to read about 40. Talk about a big collection of stories!
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsCVu..."
Ahh Worf
The Elizabethans tended to think that dreams were of no consequence. That Shakespeare/his narrators chose to record these quotes about dreams--here in The Tempest and another time in Romeo and Juliet and perhaps elsewhere--indicates Shakespeare/his narrator think there must be some substance to dreams.
Matt, Prospero was a dreamer rather than a ruler. That is why his power was upsurped. . . .Also I wonder--there is no definitive answer--if Prospero is making reference to humanity is dream-creation or dreamed up creation of God. Being that the concept of what God might be was changing as the Church of Rome gave way to the Church of England. In reading Shakespeare, it is important to have rough understanding of English history as Shakespeare wrote plays both to avoid social-political difficulties and to serve two monarchs--Elizabrth I and James I of England.
If no one has warned, be careful when reading the Scottish play--like many others I do not like saying proper name of the play. Accidents and other strange happenings sometimes occur when this play is performed. Words have power. Just so you are warned.Notice that the whole play is built upon the concept that words have power.
Cynda wrote: "The Elizabethans tended to think that dreams were of no consequence. That Shakespeare/his narrators chose to record these quotes about dreams--here in The Tempest and another time in Romeo andJulie..."The Elizabethan attitude toward dreams was mixed. Keith Thomas' magisterial Religion and the Decline of Magic: Studies in Popular Beliefs in Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century England has an extended discussion, of which this is an excerpt:
"The primitive belief in the supernatural significance of vivid and repetitive dreams had been kept alive by the early Church: even the pagan practice of seeking foreknowledge by ritual incubation at the shrine of Asclepius had been replaced for a time by nocturnal vigils at the shrine of Christian saints. In the sixteenth century importance was still attached to dreams. Theologians taught that most of them had purely physical causes and were not to be heeded. But they admitted that some might be supernatural in inspiration, though as likely to be diabolical as divine."
(Page 174, Penguin Books Ltd. Kindle Edition.)
And then come details of known cases, popular beliefs, etc.
There also should be a discussion in A.L. Rowse's encyclopedic The England of Elizabeth. I am trying to find a copy to check.
Thank you Ian. I have had/may yet have a copy of Decline of Magic on my bookshelves here. If not, I will have to replace. . . . .Matt that is a lot of information, not information needed for a first read. If you find that you do want/need something to help you get through a first read, I do have a few suggestions. Please feel free to ask.
I learned about the taboo as freshman in college when I mentioned the play by name in a theatre class. Oops! All I said was "Kurosawa's Throne of Blood was based on Macbeth, one of my favorite Shakespearean plays. Sheesh!
Only Twelfth Night and A Midsummer Night's Dream were presented during my college years. The director of both said that he passed over...that play (I never like the phrase "the Scottish play"--but it wasn't my department.) However, the set designer said that he'd like to design the sets for that one.
Matt wrote: "2023 Shakespeare Complete works challenge#9 - A Midsummer Night’s Dream -
Read - 3/1/23 - 3/1/23
Rating: 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thus have I, wall, my part discharged so; And, being done thus wall ..."
Congrats, Matt! Midsummer is cool and very typical of Shakespeare. Will love to know your thoughts on Venus and Adonis.
Matt, I am guessing you know that the group has and that group members have read a number of Shakespeare plays. Also there was what was supposed to be a buddy read of the history plays. I left a few quotes pertinent to understanding some major parts of the plays. If any of this will help you, you can find links on group's home page.
Even though you are not buying books, how about borrowing library books? Maybe your local library has in system or can get through ILLShakespeare's English Kings: History, Chronicle, and Drama by Peter Saccio
It is very accessible, good for maybe even high school students. Very good for making sure you got your information correct about the history plays. . . . .Also there will be other books about Shakespeare at the library, maybe even the Norton Editions.
You are really doing this thing, Matt! I'm so impressed, and am enjoying watching your progress.
Your progress on this challenge is inspiring, Matt! I would love to do this at some point.
In that case, you do not need the book I recommended. Instead I have had the books you name on and off of my reading radar.
Matt I am impressesd with your challenge and hope you complete it! Iam taking the short route - I live in Statford Upon Avon UK, near the Shakespeare Theatre so I go and see all the Shakespeare plays there but you have inspired me to read the plays
One of the early history plays! Watch out for Jack Cade! Hope you enjoy it Matt!
Hi Matt - just for info:Two of Shakespeare's actors - John Heminges and Henry Condell - members of the Kings Men put together and arranged publication of all his works in what was known as the First Folio.This year is the 400th anniversary of its publication. Without their intervention some of his plays would have been lost.
If you are interested about thid read The Shakespeare Book by Chris Laoutaris although my the time you have completed the plays, sonnets and narrative poems you probably will be fed up with Shakespeare
Good luck with Henry1V!
I have settled upon my answer like this: Shakespeare being the great writer he was had the ability to make Shylock clearly someone worthy of respect or someone worthy of no respect. So the ambiguity is intentional. What a writer!
Matt, here is something.that might help to understand Shylock. I wrote this just now at a nonfiction group reading The Rhetoric of Mao Zedong: Transforming China and Its People by Xing Lu:Today when chatting with a Shakespeare-reading friend who wondered at Shylock the Jew of The Merchant of Venice, I wanted to describe how a Shylock might come into being, but I would sound insensitive at the least. Yet here is a description how a human is treated less than and then comes back to speak with a defiance and a fury.
Catching up on Classics (and lots more!)
Books mentioned in this topic
Henry VIII (other topics)Titus Andronicus (other topics)
The Rhetoric of Mao Zedong: Transforming China and Its People (other topics)
The Merchant of Venice (other topics)
Shakespeare's English Kings: History, Chronicle, and Drama (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Xing Lu (other topics)Peter Saccio (other topics)
David Bevington (other topics)
Stephen Greenblatt (other topics)
I read Dr. Zhivago this year and I can't say enough great things. I was scared to read it at first not knowing any Russian history but it didn't matter. Loved it! I hope you will too.
Killers of the Flower Moon is another fantastic but sad and shocking account. I couldn't put it down!
Have fun!