Now in its third edition Shakespeare: The Basics is an insightful and informative introduction to the work of William Shakespeare. Exploring all aspects of Shakespearersquo;s plays including the language; cultural contexts; and modern interpretations; this text looks at how a range of plays from across the genres have been understood. Updates in this edition include:Ecocritical; queer; presentist and gendered discussions of Shakespearersquo;s workStudies of new performances including Tennant and Tatersquo;s Much Ado About NothingCritical discussions of race and politics in Othello and King LearCase studies of modern film versions of Shakespearersquo;s worksA chronology of Shakespearersquo;s work and contemporary eventsWith fully updated further reading throughout and a wide range of case studies and examples; this text is essential reading for all those studying Shakespearersquo;s work.
#1736172 in eBooks 2013-06-26 2013-06-26File Name: B00DP3JFS2
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Dangerous Rhythm Matters!By Larry DI am a lifelong fan of the Hollywood musical. I have believed movie musicals matter since I was 10 years old. And while I have not written an opinionated critical history of the movie musical; if I were to write one; I could only hope to come up with something as enjoyable and thought-provoking as Dangerous Rhythm. Mr. Barrios obvious affection and respect for the genre is apparent on every page. Hes got 87 years to cover and he makes no attempt to mention every film; every performer. If you; too; think movie musicals matter; you will no doubt find a favorite movie conspicuous by its absence. But make no mistake; he gets the high points - the movies important for artistry; financial success; influence or any combination thereof; are given their due; from "The Jazz Singer" and "Love Me Tonight" to "The Wizard of Oz" and "Singin in the Rain"; with a tip of the hat to spectacular flops like Jolsons "Say It With Song" and the Village People vehicle "Cant Stop the Music". While we dont see eye-to-eye on everything (He loves Maurice Chevalier; whom I cannot stomach); even where we disagree; Mr. Barrios arguments are always well articulated and reasonable. (I still dont care for Chevalier; but I understand why Mr. Barrios does.) I smiled and whispered "Yes!" when "the joyous and under-appreciated Donald OConnor" was finally given some of the respect he so richly deserves. (Come on; he wipes the floor with Gene Kelly in the "Moses Supposes" number.) And I had an "Aha!" moment when I learned that the not-untalented but utterly blank Lucille Bremer; inexplicably starred in far too many big-big MGM musicals in the 1940s and 50s; was a "friend" of uber-producer Arthur Freed. Seldom have I read a more enjoyable combination of scholarship and dish.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating RhythmBy Moshe BloxenheimAuthor Richard Barrios has always had a knack for providing the history and the stories of different areas of the American Film Industry in ways that are informative; fascinating and engaging. "Dangerous Rhythm" continues in this vein - not so much as a historical summing up; but instead Mr. Barrios gives a very thoughtful look at the Hollywood Movie Musical and its place in both the film industry and in American culture. Different musicals are examined and often compared with films from other studios and times to show the way Hollywood developed (or mishandled) ideas; how different connections; events and trends could bring success or disaster and why the Movie Musical has always been a very unique creation.While I certainly must praise Mr. Barrios thoroughness in covering his subject; I really appreciate his ability to share his enthusiasm with the reader. Even the footnotes have a level of zest which demonstrates that "Dangerous Rhythm" is no mere book of scholarly observation but a good; solid and entertaining work that can be read and reread with pleasure. There are going to be many films that I will now watch in a whole new light.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A terrific book about a fascinating film genre.By J. D. HeiseA fine look at the movie musical and how they have both evolved and devolved; with specific looks at such classics as SINGIN IN THE RAIN; THE BAND WAGON; MY FAIR LADY; THE SOUND OF MUSIC and others. Barrios previous work; A SONG IN THE DARK; took a fascinating look at the early musicals of the sound era and is one of the best books on that period-this takes a wider view and is fascinating from beginning to end (he even goes so far as to rank the SOUTH PARK movie as one of the better latter-day musicals; which might raise a few eyebrows but since I love that film as well; it is nice to see that film given some props in a book. Well done!