A Life of William Shakespeare with portraits and facsimiles

by Sir Sidney Lee

2019 · Good Press

In "A Life of William Shakespeare with portraits and facsimiles," Sir Sidney Lee meticulously crafts a compelling narrative that intertwines biographical analysis with literary critique, offering readers an in-depth exploration of Shakespeare's life and works. Lee's elegant prose navigates the complexities of the Elizabethan era, illuminating the cultural, social, and political influences that shaped Shakespeare's art. Through an array of visual materials, including portraits and facsimiles, the book enriches its textual analysis, providing readers with a multifaceted understanding of both the man and his masterpieces. Lee's pioneering approach blends scholarly rigor with accessibility, appealing to both scholars and general readers alike, while situating Shakespeare firmly within the canon of English literature. Sir Sidney Lee, a prominent literary scholar of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, possessed a profound passion for Shakespeare's works, which informed his lifelong scholarship. As a founding member of the Oxford English Dictionary and a close associate of the literary world, Lee's insights drew heavily from both primary texts and contemporaneous critiques, illuminating the struggles and triumphs of Shakespeare as an artist navigating a tumultuous era. His in-depth research and fervent dedication to the Bard's legacy shaped "A Life of William Shakespeare" into a seminal text. This work is essential for readers seeking to deepen their understanding of Shakespeare's life beyond the mere texts. Lee's insights provide context that enriches the reading of Shakespeare's plays and poetry, making this book an indispensable companion for students, educators, and avid readers who wish to apprehend the full breadth of Shakespeare's brilliance and to appreciate the historic resonance of his oeuvre. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

The Travels of Marco Polo

by Marco Polo, Sir Henry Yule, Henri Cordier

1993 · Courier Corporation

Volume 1 of 2-volume set. One of the greatest books of all time — a vast treasury of invaluable observations on the peoples and geography of the Near East and Asia in the 13th century. Detailed descriptions of cities, customs, laws, crops, animals, political systems, much more. 200 illustrations, 32 maps and site plans.