The Life and Legacy of William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare has entertained readers and theatre patrons for centuries. The Guide to Shakespeare examines the bard's legacy from Elizabethan England to the present-day, uncovering why few authors can match Shakespeare for broad appeal and sheer endurance.

The Man
Learn about both the private life and the career of the man behind the poetry and the drama.

The Plays
Gain a better understanding of the compelling works and brilliant characters that are known throughout the world.

The Shakespearean World
Increase your appreciation by studying a chronology that puts the works of Shakespeare into context with key events of the time, including exploration of the New World and the lives of other influential people such as Galileo and Rembrandt.

Multimedia
Watch classic video clips of Shakespeare's most famous works, including Hamlet and Macbeth, and listen to audio clips performed by some of the finest Shakespearean actors such as John Gielgud and John Barrymore. Audio clips also include accompanying music by the Orchestra of the Paris Opera and the New Philharmonia Orchestra.

Learning Activities
Immerse yourself in the world of Shakespeare. Writing activities and role-playing bring Shakespeare to life.

• Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, XP, or Vista
• Pentium 350 MHz or faster processor
• 128 MB RAM minimum
• Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher (or compatible browser)
• CD-ROM drive
• 800x600 resolution, 16-bit color
• Sound card and speakers recommended
• Printer recommended

• Mac OS 10.2 or higher
• iMac or G3 350 MHz or faster processor
• 128 MB RAM minimum
• Safari 1.0 or higher (or compatible browser. Note: this application does not work with Internet Explorer on the Mac)
• CD-ROM drive
• 800x600 resolution, millions of colors
• Sound card and speakers recommended
• Printer recommended