1599: A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare : Winner of the Baillie Gifford Winner of Winners Award 2023

James Shapiro's "1599: A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare" offers a riveting glimpse into the pivotal year that transformed Shakespeare from a gifted wordsmith into one of history's most revered literary figures. This meticulously researched work, honoured with both the Baillie Gifford Prize and the prestigious 'Winner of Winners' accolade in 2023, invites readers on an exhilarating journey through a single, extraordinary year in the Bard's life.

With the precision of a master detective, Shapiro unravels the threads of Shakespeare's world, examining his reading material, his writings, his observations, and his collaborations. We witness the playwright's investment in the Globe theatre and the creation of four of his most celebrated plays: Henry V, Julius Caesar, As You Like It, and the incomparable Hamlet.

This masterful narrative weaves together the news, intrigues, and atmosphere of Elizabethan England with fascinating insights into Shakespeare's methods as an actor, businessman, and playwright. The result is an exceptionally vivid and gripping account that brings to life an inspiring moment in literary history.

Critics have lauded Shapiro's work as a "brilliant study" that "pays off magnificently" (Sunday Times), offering "a far richer, more intimate portrait of our greatest author" than conventional biographies (Daily Mail). The Guardian praises it as "a fascinating and entirely believable portrait of a talented workaholic", while the Telegraph deems it "gripping and illuminating". Shapiro's informed enthusiasm and energetic prose promise to captivate readers, shedding new light on the genius of William Shakespeare.

Product Information:

Book ISBN:	9780571214815
Book Weight:	376g