Product Description

""As You Like It" can be enjoyed on different levels. On the surface, it is an idyllic romance, full of happy love and an optimistic philosophy of simple goodness. Life in the forest is a perpetual picnic with few outward signs of the winter's wind. Lovers are reunited, a wronged duke is restored to his rightful dukedom, wicked brothers are instantaneously converted to contrite penitence. All of which is as it should be. But yet it may be that Shakespeare had a private wink for the more sophisticated; for among the denizens of the forest he included Touchstone, a professional cynic, and Jaques, the disillusioned epicure of sensation! Both are caustic observes to whom youthful romantic love is a silly illusion." - G.B Harrison, Editor of texts for the Shakespeare Recording Society.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #700023 in Books
• Published on: 1991-11-21
• Released on: 1995-08-21
• Format: Audiobook
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 2
• Binding: Audio Cassette

About the Author
William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest playwright the world has seen. He produced an astonishing amount of work; 37 plays, 154 sonnets, and 5 poems. He died on 23rd April 1616, aged 52, and was buried in the Holy Trinity Church, Stratford.

Customer Reviews

The Many Appealing Facets of Shakespeare's Talent!
As You Like It has many qualities to attract readers and audiences. Rosalind is one of the great heroines of all romantic literature. The play has more outstanding speeches than almost any other that has ever been written. Astonishing plot complications are quickly resolved in the simplest possible way, reflecting a playwright's tour de force. The forest of Arden appears as a character in creating a magical atmosphere whereby all perceptions change, and all are healed. Right wins out, especially in drawing on good character . . . even from formerly badly behaving people. And for those who love marriages, this book has one of the most impressive ceremonies of all time in literature. Humans have never looked nobler in the end than in this play. Yet the play also abounds with some of the greatest lines of Shakespeare's fools that cause all of us to see that humility is more called for than pride or ambition. Certainly, As You Like It will make you feel the presence of an unmatched genius, that should inspire even the most arrogant to feel humbled in the Bard's presence.

My recommendation is that you first see a performance (whether in person, or on a recording). If that's not possible, try for an audio. Many outstanding actors have been taped. After you have the sights and sounds of the play firmly in mind, then read the play. You'll find that your earlier experiences will unlock more of the play's depths, imagery and pleasures for you.

Where in life is being true to your word very important? How can you improve your life by being more reliable in this way?