by Peter Leithart $35.00

Shakespeare was “a great observer,” able to see and depict patterns of events and character. He understood how politics is shaped by the clash of men with various colourings of self-interest and idealism, how violence breeds violence, how fragile human beings create masks and disguises for protection, how schemers do the same for advancement, how love can grow out of hate and hate out of love. Dare anyone say that these insights are irrelevant to living in the real world?

Literature abstracts from the complex events of life (just as we all do in everyday life) and can reveal patterns that are like the patterns of events in the real world. Studying Literature can give us sensitivity to those patterns.

Peter Leithart’s book is a must for any Christian family studying Shakespeare. Glorified as Shakespeare is, it is good to analyse his works in light of biblical thought. This book includes studies for two plays in each of 3 genres. History: HenryV & Julius Caesar; Tragedy: Hamlet & Macbeth; Comedy: The Taming of the Shrew & Much Ado About Nothing. A great resource! Age 12+ 286p, 400g.

A good companion to this guide is Tales From Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb.