Will's Words: How William Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 19, 2017

Review

Sutcliffe presents a brief look at Shakespeare's influence on the English language while providing a short, concise history of theatre in Elizabethan London. On each two page spread there are small blocks of text on both pages - the verso has a description of London, its people and its theatre with certain phrases in bold; the recto gives more info on these phrases - all of which were coined by or made popular by Shakespeare. It is a novel look at the man's poetic genius and quite bare. Choosing the words and phrases must have been difficult - but those in the book provide a taste for Shakespeare's influence on what we say even today. The illustrations are a treat to pore over - they are as busy as dirty, bustling Elizabethan London. They provide a great addition to the text. The book ends with a time line and a bibliography. This is a good introduction to Shakespeare and his works.

Overall Book Score: good