Shakespeare and the Folktale: An Anthology of Stories
(Paperback)
Available Formats
Publishing Details
Shakespeare and the Folktale: An Anthology of Stories
By (Author) Charlotte Artese
Princeton University Press
Princeton University Press
2nd January 2020
United States
Classifications
Tertiary Education
Non Fiction
Literary studies: c 1600 to c 1800
Anthologies: general
Biography, Literature and Literary studies
822.33
Physical Properties
Paperback
392
Width 140mm, Height 216mm
Description
An international collection of the traditional tales that inspired some of Shakespeare's greatest plays Shakespeare knew a good story when he heard one, and he wasn't afraid to borrow from what he heard or read, especially traditional folktales. The Merchant of Venice, for example, draws from "A Pound of Flesh," while King Lear begins in the sam
Reviews
"Charlotte Artese's fascinating anthology stirs the rich mix of global folktales to set out dozens that are like those Shakespeare knew. Not a collection of his sources but a demonstration of the intriguing ways similar folktales turn up all over the world, here is a delightful set of variations on themes, a gathering of stories we don't quite know in these tellings of old tales."Peter Holland, University of Notre Dame
"Shakespeare and the Folktale is a pleasure to read and a rich resource for anyone who loves Shakespeare or storytelling. The book's lucid introductions to each play and tale-type provide insight into how Shakespeare wrote the plays and how audiences engaged with and understood them."Patrick Ryan, author of Shakespeares Storybook: Folk Tales That Inspired the Bard
"This delightful collection is certain to appeal to Shakespeare enthusiasts of all ages. The accessible introduction and framing essays brilliantly explain the value of folktales to Shakespeare study. And the folktales themselvesthoughtfully selected from diverse cultures and timesare enormously pleasurable to read. A must-have for Shakespeare teachers."Gina Bloom, University of California, Davis
"This anthology is a revelation. It might change perceptions of Shakespeare's plays and reopen the challenging, central question of why they have had such a long and robust afterlife."Douglas Lanier, author of Shakespeare and Modern Popular Culture
Author Bio
Charlotte Artese is professor of English at Agnes Scott College and the author of Shakespeare's Folktale Sources.
