"In this beautifully executed, cleverly designed blend of excerpts from Shakespeare's plays, inventive personal writings, facsimile reproductions of the argot of the literary arena of his times, and contemporary explanatory essays, Central Michigan University professors McDermott and Berk have created an imaginary scrapbook as if it were produced by Shakespeare for his daughter, Judith. Filled with the kind of pull-out letters and 3-D pamphlets that were so popular with Nick Bantock's Griffin and Sabine (Chronicle Books,1991), all the threads of Shakespeare's professional and personal life are drawn together against a backdrop of artwork from the Museum of London, the British Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. We learn of Shakespeare's grief over the death of his only son, Hamnet (Judith's twin), his opinions of his contemporaries, such as Ben Jonson, and his thoughts about his looming retirement. Included are poignant statements reflecting his anguish over his long separation from his family while he was away in London writing and producing his plays. The minutiae of sixteenth-century London theater is fascinating—why did the stage sweepers love their job, why did magic and ghosts and shipwrecks play such a key role in some of his plays, why did he revere Mistress Alleyn, the Globe's seamstress? The scrapbook concludes with a tender message to his daughter and a copy of his will. Contrary to the publisher's suggested age level (grades four to six), this novelty treasure is a wonderfully unique way for mature middle school and high school readers to get a flavor for Shakespeare's life and writing."

Reviewer: Beth E. Andersen

"Gr 6 Up–This handsome biography, designed as a scrapbook that Shakespeare kept for his daughter Judith, is presented as "a recollection of his years and works…upon the eve of his departure from London to retirement in Stratford-upon-Avon." The portfoliolike volume is filled with facsimiles of documents, writings of Shakespeare's contemporaries, and synopses of his plays, all helping to piece together the facts of his life and the mores of the day. The "autobiographical" writing is laced with vocabulary that captures the flavor of the period, while the authors' informational sidebars use straightforward, clear prose to complement the flowing narrative. Historical details abound, not only in the text but also in the carefully selected "documents" that adorn the book, permitting readers to pore over everything from Elizabethan "Child-Rearing Advice" to period "Siege Engines" to a "Glossary" of types of thieves. While the basic facts of any well-written Shakespearean biography can be found here, this work also discusses his opinions of his friends and rivals, reveals his deep feelings, and conveys misgivings about some of his life choices. Abundant humor, quotes from Shakespeare's works, and some lesser-known facts add interest to the familiar story. Illustratively, the book is a feast for the eye, with backgrounds composed of high-quality period prints, paintings and sketches, and numerous fold-out facsimiles that pop out from the double-sided pages. Berk and McDermott offer a new perspective on the bard–that of the aged genius looking back on his life and career. Shakespeare lovers and teachers will be delighted."

-(reviewed by Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan)

"A handsome and lavishly illustrated introduction to Shakespeare's life and times, his work, his family, his Stratford, his London, his theater. An engaging glimpse into the life of a truly great author and dramatist, well designed to bring insight and pleasure to readers of all ages."

This beautifully produced title is packed with letters, pamphlets, facsimile scripts, and many more paper novelties to bring the incredible world of William Shakespeare alive in your hands. It's the perfect title to inspire children's interest in literature and history. Suitable for Key Stage 2."

   - YoungWriters.co.uk (Teachers' Recommended Reads)

***

From Armadillo Magazine: 

"This book is an aesthetic joy and a fascinating mixture of fact and fiction.  These two aspects weave together to make an entertaining and invaluable introduction to the life and times of William Shakespeare."    [Click here for full review]