This book's unique format makes it a versatile companion for a wide range of readers from the novice to the expert. The book is centered on 100 of Shakespeare's greatest dramatic images - at least one taken from each of his plays. They deal with the enduring subjects of poetry - love, loss, loveliness, folly, injustice - in voices which range from witty to tender, from indignant to resigned. "Shakespeare's 100 Greatest Dramatic Images" opens with a series of word games that anyone can play - individually or in a group - that introduce the reader to the selected images. These images are then placed within the context of the plays themselves in a short essay - one for each of the 37 plays.Where appropriate, historical and theatrical perspectives, as well as modern interpretations and controversies, are explored. This book can be dipped into at random, taken a section at a time, or read from start to finish as a short but original introduction to some of the English language's richest prose and poetry.
The Saunders have created a Website that includes images chosen by a variety of Shakespeare enthusiasts and performers - some famous, AS Byatt, Dame Judi Dench, Patrick Garland, etc - and have invited the public to add to the collection.