Being interested in Shakespeare and having an MA in English Literary Renaissance Studies I am always looking for new works on, about or involving The Bard (or Christopher Marlowe). To Be or Not to Be is a great primer for those interested in learning more about Shakespeare and his works but also a nice reference for those with more than a surface level knowledge.

I feel this would be perfect for those studying for GCSE or A-Level as well as for reference and a great talking point as well.

As always thank you to Michael O’Mara for the advanced copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.

This is a great book for dipping into. Lots of biographical details but also lots of details about the plays and how they were written. I particularly liked the complete alphabetical list of characters at the end, with details of who they were and in which play. e.g. 'Banquo – an army captain in Macbeth who meets the three witches and hears their prophecies about Macbeth’s rise to power and that of his own sons. He is later murdered but returns as a ghost to haunt Macbeth.'

Unknown. To Be Or Not To Be (Function). Kindle Edition.
I think this would make a great reference book, especially when in book form (I read a doc format). A good buy for a gift as well.

I read an ARC but would recommend wholeheartedly as I will look out for the book when published, for myself.

A nice introduction to the life and works of Shakespeare for anyone looking for a handy little reference book. There’s a short biography, sections on words and phrases owed to him (very interesting), a glossary of characters and brief descriptions of each of the plays, so this provides an excellent bluffer’s guide as well as an introduction!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

This is interesting as someone who doesn’t know much about Shakespeare - I can imagine looking at this book closer when an opportunity to discuss the plats arises. I know someone who works at the globe so I can see the day coming! It’s a really simple easy look at his life and the plays.
Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.

This book was so good! So well written! The characters are so good. The story is something else! I really loved every single second of it.