Product Description

Shakespeare's plays are usually studied by literary scholars and historians and the books about him from those perspectives are legion. It is most unusual for a trained philosopher to give us his insight, as Colin McGinn does here. In his brilliant commentary, McGinn explores Shakespeare's philosophy of life and illustrates how he was influenced, for example, by the essays of Montaigne that were translated into English while Shakespeare was writing.In addition to chapters on the great plays, there are also essays on Shakespeare and gender and his plays from the aspects of psychology, ethics, and tragedy. As McGinn says about Shakespeare, "There is not a sentimental bone in his body. He has the curiosity of a scientist, the judgement of a philosopher, and the soul of a poet." McGinn relates the ideas in the plays to the later philosophers such as David Hume and the modern commentaries of critics such as Harold Bloom. The book is an exhilarating reading experience about one of the greatest writers in English.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #305988 in Books
• Published on: 2008-01-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

Customer Reviews

Challenging & Thought Provoking
McGinn has produced a consistently stimulating and provocative book in his examination of the philosophical questions explored in Shakespeare's plays. His consideration of the Dream, Lear, Othello et al through the lens of questions of philosophy (the nature of identity, causality, the problem of knowing other minds, etc) makes for wonderful reading. McGinn's turn of phrase is regularly amusing and often strikingly brilliant. Highly recommended for anyone interested in Shakespeare's plays and their relevance to the larger questions facing us all.

Epistemologically useful
I have really appreciated this fascinating exploration of the themes of Shakespeare's plays from a philosophical point of view. You do not need to be deep in philosophy to understand what Colin McGinn writes, in a way which is at the same time competent, clear and involving. The author does not waste his (nor the reader's) time on vague, smug speculations. His analysis is fully grounded in the Shakespearian texts, whose depth is demonstrated once more.

Shakespeare's Philosophy
The book is a real eye opener and helps us think about our own situations and the unpredictability of human behaviour.