Koncocoo

Best British & Irish Poetry

Pillow Thoughts
Make a cup of tea and let yourself feel. In October 2016 she released the best-selling Poetry collection Pillow Thoughts .
Reviews
"I read this book in 4 days, i could not stop reading."
"Time doesn’t mean a thing” could just have easily come from "Aleph" by Paulo Coelho, another favorite author."
"Read it in one sitting, could not put it down."
"This book has put so much into perspective for me."
"I loved the love poems and the sad ones were so beautiful and this book was just amazing."
"Hit the nail on the head for every thing I felt."
"I think any reader would relate to the thoughts and emotions conveyed here, but I don't understand the high praise for the actual writing."
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Hamlet (No Fear Shakespeare)
No Fear Shakespeare gives you the complete text of Hamlet on the left-hand page, side-by-side with an easy-to-understand translation on the right. With text taken from the No Fear Shakespeare series, which modernized Shakespeare’s original language, this entry in the No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novels line makes the Bard even more accessible.
Reviews
"It brought home the humor as well as the pathos of questions of relationships with family members, the relationships between characters with different levels of social status, questions of loyalty and revenge and other examples of human behavior, even when some of the characters may not be human."
"I was recently offered a role in a local community theater production of William Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of Macbeth.” The play’s director encouraged all actors to gain a deeper understanding of Shakespeare’s words, to better perform each part. While I was memorizing my lines from the left-hand pages, I quickly discovered I could learn my character’s deeper motivations for what he was saying by referring to the modern English paraphrase."
"I'm going to spend the most time on the inside, so why would I buy a poor-quality interior? The Barnes and Noble series of Shakespeares, though much uglier on the outside, have really helpful notes and references throughout, and are printed on a spacious layout and great-quality paper."
"Guide for the Perplexed time (since Amazon's listing of Formats seems designed to generate confusion): This is a review of the Mass-Market Paperback edition of "The Tempest" under the label of "Folger Shakespeare Library," published by Washington Square Press, edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine. The OTHER formats (paperback, Kindle, Audio) currently listed by Amazon are of completely different editions of the same text, without the facing-page notes, period illustrations, and other features of the Folger/WSP editions; some of them without even line-numbers, to judge from previous reviews. Calling the newest version of the series just "Folger Shakespeare Library" somewhat confuses matters, since that is also the name of the actual sponsoring institution in Washington, D.C., which houses a major collection of Shakespeare editions, and related and period works of all kinds. In any format, the Mowat and Werstine edition is also to be distinguished from its predecessor in "The Folger Library General Reader's Shakespeare" series, edited by Louis B. Wright and Virginia A, LaMar (1961; also from Washington Square Press, and possibly also under its Pocket imprint), with the same basic facing-page design, but different notes and illustrations, and without the concluding essay and annotated bibliography ("Further Reading.). Those interested in a text edition of the play with notes restricted to the vocabulary, and without introductions on Shakespeare's stage and use of language, may want to take a look at Burton Raffel's "Annotated" edition, either in its paperback format, with the notes at the foot of the page, or its Kindle edition, with the notes hyper-linked to the text. To turn to the text being edited: "The Tempest" was probably the last play written entirely by William Shakespeare, sometime in 1610-1611. For those not already familiar with the play, it is the only one of Shakespeare plays without a recognizable source for the main plot, although there is documentation for many details in the voyage literature of the late sixteenth and early seventeenth century, especially the earlier years of the Virginia colony. As has long been noted, "The Tempest" is one of the few Shakespeare plays to observe the so-called "classical unities" of (elapsed) time and a single place, in this case, a few hours nearby and on an enchanted island."
"It's Shakespeare; who are we to critique the writing?"
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Paradise Lost (A Penguin Classics Hardcover)
Milton’s magnificent poem narrating Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden, now in a beautiful new clothbound edition In Paradise Lost , Milton produced a poem of epic scale, conjuring up a vast, awe-inspiring cosmos ranging across huge tracts of space and time. In 1649 he took up the cause for the new Commonwealth, defending the English revolution both in English and Latin—and sacrificing his eyesight in the process.
Reviews
"I have used the titles as listed by Amazon to help find the editions I refer to, and, with the exception of the books by Kastan, Lanzara, and BookCaps, the ones I discuss below are ones I own and am familiar with. The text is based on Stephen Orgel's 2008 Paradise Lost (Oxford World's Classics) which has been modernized presumably with respect to capitalization, spelling and punctuation. Know that Fowler has produced a very, very scholarly version with many, many notes, sometimes to the point that they leave only two or three lines of the poem on the page, so I strongly urge using the "Look Inside" feature before deciding to buy it. One such version, with very favorable recommendations, is Barbara K. Lewalski's 2007 Paradise Lost that reproduces the original language, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and italics of the 1674 text. Another annotated edition, again with those on the same page, that sticks close to the original 1674 text (but with some minor modernization) is Merritt Y. Hughes' Paradise Lost (Hackett Classics), first published in 1935, and revised in 1962. There are many other scholarly editions available in addition to the ones I have mentioned here, including one online at the John Milton Reading Room at Dartmouth College. To me, it's rather like buying a car --- ultimately based upon personal preference, but in this case, rather than engine and body style, determined by the way the editor has modified Milton's language and added annotations, and their degree of adherence to his original language --- some editors produce as little modernization as possible to retain Milton's original meter and rhythm for reading aloud, while others try for a more modern sound. Whichever edition you buy, may you find great enjoyment in reading what I consider the greatest epic poem in the English language --- although you might agree more with what Donald Sutherland's character, Jennings, had to say about it in the movie "Animal House": "Now what can we say about Milton's "Paradise Lost"?"
"I do not have the Kindle editions released by Oxford (Paradise Lost) or Modern Library (Paradise Lost (Modern Library Classics)) but I assume they would be comparable to the Penguin edition, including supplementary essays and notes as well as presenting the text with line numbers."
"Our family read the whispersync Kindle e-book (ASIN #B0086NF1G6) along with the audiobook by Tantor Audio, narrated by Simon Vance (on Audible). So I'm giving this 3 stars due to the Kindle book not being a true copy of the audiobook (missing content and messed up text towards the end)."
"I give this one star because, for some odd reason, this is the 1667 version in ten books, not the newer edition in twelve books that Milton put out in 1674."
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Best Irish Poetry

Puckoon
Puckoon is Spike Milligan's classic slapstick novel, reissued for the first time since it was published in 1963. 'Bursts at the seams with superb comic characters involved in unbelievably likely troubles on the Irish border' Observer 'Our first comic philosopher' Eddie Izzard Spike Milligan was one of the greatest and most influential comedians of the twentieth century. Bursts at the seams with superb comic characters involved in unbelievably likely troubles on the Irish border * Observer * Pops with the erratic brilliance of a careless match in a box of fireworks * Daily Mail * Our first comic philosopher -- Eddie Izzard Milligan is the Great God to all of us -- John Cleese The legendary and iconic figure, Spike Milligan was born at Ahmednagar in India in 1918.
Reviews
"This is a classic Irish farce about the futility of the war between the IRA and the British."
"Spike Milligan appears to be a clever comic..but..in this book it is very clear that he was appalled by how easily girls (of the 1970's) found it to have an abortion..Apart from this coming over so clearly.the book is typically Spike Milligan at his funniest...I chuckled my way through it and, all too soon it was finished..please read it..Spike would be thrilled to pieces that you do.."
"I have a neighbor, born in England, came to the U.S. at the age of 19 as a nanny, married, had a family, and now, at 73, talks a lot about "growing up"."
"Everything was as should be."
"Spike Milligan's tale is one which allows his characters to give the reader a good chuckle throughout the story."
"I read this book years ago and it is still one of the funniest ones I have ever read!"
"Its an old book written in 1950's i think so some of the writing is less than PC."
"I have read this book seven times."
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Best British & Irish Horror

The New Annotated Frankenstein
The daughter of a pioneering feminist and an Enlightenment philosopher, Shelley lived and wrote at the center of British Romanticism, the “exuberant, young movement” that rebelled against tradition and reason and "with a rebellious scream gave birth to a world of gods and monsters" (del Toro). Nearly 1,000 notes that provide information and historical context on every aspect of Frankenstein and of Mary Shelley’s life Over 200 illustrations, including original artwork from the 1831 edition and dozens of photographs of real-world locations that appear in the novel Extensive listings of films and theatrical adaptations An introduction by Guillermo del Toro and an afterword by Anne K. Mellor. Klinger does not presume to add to the comprehensive body of scholarship on Shelley’s novel; he wants to illuminate the original text itself and showcase how complex and engaging it was―and still is. “In annotating Mary Shelley's Frankenstein , Les Klinger has pulled off the nearly impossible trick of making the original novel as interesting as the phenomena (from the many incarnations of the monster to the field of science fiction) which it spawned. “With the mind of a mad scientist and the heart of a voluptuary, Leslie S. Klinger has been striding through Sherlock Holmes and masterpieces of Fantastica for years now, illuminating, enlightening, clarifying, and amusing as he went. Klinger's deep research and knowledge of his subject shines through this entertaining and fascinating insight into Mary Shelley, her life and times, and the themes and vast impact of her earth-shaking novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. “A stunning one-stop emporium of all things Frankenstein, a standout volume even in the limitless sea of editions of this book.”. - Steve Donoghue, Open Letters Monthly.
Reviews
"If you're reading this review, you only have one question. You already know this is the most original, and one of the best, and best-written horror stories in literature. So, your only question is, "Is this really the uncensored 1818 version?"
"That all changed once Walton rescued Victor Frankenstein from the icy sea near the North Pole. The overlying themes of love, friendship, loneliness and loss enrich this story and the question of whether Frankenstein has the right to create life makes you think about the larger responsibilities of man to his fellow man. The monster's shocking reaction and Frankenstein's horror, his mental collapses and the race against time make this story a true thriller. This style and the letter-writing format are the only things that make Frankenstein seem less modern, but they are minor points."
"Frankly, this is one heck of an enjoyable story, and, if you need some relief after finishing this mesmerizing tale, than watch 'Young Frankenstein', perhaps the funniest movie I have ever seen, but that is for another time... got the nerve...?"
"Contrary to popular belief, the story does not climax with Frankenstein's creation of his iconic monster."
"Read this book in high school years ago."
"I cannot possibly express how much I am for this book being one of the best renowned classics of all time."
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Best British & Irish Literature

In Farleigh Field: A Novel of World War II
World War II comes to Farleigh Place, the ancestral home of Lord Westerham and his five daughters, when a soldier with a failed parachute falls to his death on the estate. “The skills Bowen brings to her several mystery series, including Molly Murphy and Royal Spyness, inform the plotting in this character-rich tale, which will be welcomed by her fans as well as by readers who enjoy fiction about the British home front.” — Booklist. It features an English aristocrat’s daughter who works at London’s top-secret home of code breakers, Bletchley Park, and a number of others with high-stakes plots and plans.” — Library Journal. “ In Farleigh Field delivers the same entertainment mixed with intellectual intrigue and realistic setting for which Bowen has earned awards and loyal fans.” —New York Journal of Books. Through the character’s eyes, readers will be drawn into the era and begin to understand the sacrifices and hardships placed on English society.” — Crimespree Magazine. With a deep understanding of the wounded human heart, and an uncanny ability to capture the quiet emotions and the grand scale of war, she rises above her contemporaries. Rhys Bowen’s knowing voice transports Downton fans into a unputdownable family saga—a compelling journey through history, loss, honor and love.
Reviews
"Pamela works at Bletchly Park breaking German codes, Margot is in Paris working for the French Resistance, and Phoebe is at home (she’s only 12) and discovers the body of a soldier whose parachute failed as he tried to land near Farleigh Place. The resolution of each plot line was very realistic and convincing. I loved learning about the group of aristocrats that supported Hitler and created a group to try and make peace with Germany (she calls them the Ring in the novel; in actuality she explains in her Author’s Note that they were called the Link)."
"As the body arouses suspicion - MI5 operative and family friend Ben Cresswell is confidentially asked to investigate who the deceased is as he has no identification and work out whether he is in fact a German spy... and this is where the action seriously begins. The first half of the book is filled with characters’ individual stories which were interesting, but does require intense concentration however it is the last 100 pages where everything takes off and were totally action packed."
"The other was the role of the aristocracy who began to lose privilege, property, power and an entire way of life during the war and their willingness to embrace fascism to hold on to that. The story is well told, although some characters (there is a dauntingly long cast of characters at the front of the book – best to ignore that and plunge in, in my opinion) are stereotypical and thinly drawn."
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Best British & Irish Humor & Satire

The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Seconds before the Earth is demolished for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is saved by Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised Guide . It could only happen to the cosmically displaced Arthur Dent and his comrades as they hurtle across the galaxy in a desperate search for a place to eat. So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish Back on Earth, Arthur Dent is ready to believe that the past eight years were all just a figment of his stressed-out imagination. Mostly Harmless Just when Arthur Dent makes the terrible mistake of starting to enjoy life, all hell breaks loose. It's safe to say that The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is one of the funniest science fiction novels ever written. Then in The Restaurant at the End of the Universe , Arthur and his new friends travel to the end of time and discover the true reason for Earth's existence.
Reviews
"The humor sustains the jerky pacing and lack of central plot but I wonder how well this will hold up across all five chapters."
"This book takes one by surprise, because it shows he could also write with great tenderness, gentleness, and love."
"It did. Douglas Adams really started something when he wrote this parody of one genre, and in so-doing he started his own genre and others have followed in his footsteps such as Robert Aspirin, Terry Pratchett and even Piers Anthony could be counted among those who have emulated this tongue in cheek, irreverent treatment of what had in the past come to be a science fiction genre that took itself very seriously indeed. It didn't need to be in my opinion, but others might find it entertaining and informative."
"Read this book after watching a poor movie remake (bcs of Allen rickman being in it)."
"However, once you have read it, and you know that you like it, this is a represntation of the story that is very fun to read."
"They tried to cram as much of the different books into a single movie and ended up losing almost all of what makes these books so great."
"So many parts of these books are a part of our family lexicon - 42, so long and thanks for all the fish, thank you for making a simple door very happy, life...don't talk to me about life, and it just goes on from there."
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Best British & Irish Dramas & Plays

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Parts One and Two: The Official Playscript of the Original West End Production: The Official Playscript of the Original West End Production
The playscript for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was originally released as a 'special rehearsal edition' alongside the opening of Jack Thorne's play in London's West End in summer 2016. When Albus hatches a plot to go back in time to save the life of Cedric Diggory—what Albus views as the biggest mistake his father made—time becomes distorted and Harry is left to examine his own life, his relationship with his son, and how love can sometimes be much more complicated than it seems. This is an interesting extension of the "Harry Potter" universe, but readers should go into it knowing that it's its own beast. Rowling didn't write it (much to the fury and vitriol of many fans), and it is in script form, so it loses some of the magic that won over millions of readers back when it all began.
Reviews
"I read the books 2-3 times per year since I was a child. These books are a part of me, I've named my children after characters in these books. I have waited for this book like the rest of you. I get more of a harry potter vibe from the fantastic beasts trailer than this entire book. I think the best way to go into reading this and saving yourself from despair is to read it as a fanfic and not the true works of rowling."
"I keep wondering if there's a therapy group where all the disgruntled fans can congragate and weep together. The entire 7 book series was about friendship, love and loyalty, and Harry knew that; and most importantly, knew that's what made him different from V. You're telling me, he, Ron and Herm didn't continue to live and instil those values in their children? Harry wouldn't have choosen work over time with his family, which after all he'd been through WAS ALL HE EVER WANTED. This new book is the worst kind of trash, the one that destroys the soul of our hero. Also, what they did to calm, measured, quirky, wise Dumbledore, making him a weepy, rude mess, who spoke in cliches, issuing a completely unnecessary "apology" to why Harry was at the Dursleys, when Dumbledore had already apologized profusely for that in HP5 AND severely told off the Dursleys in HP6 for their abusive behavior! And what a weak, floppy mess Harry was during the fight scene?!"
"I am horrifically obsessed with these books, for the past 19 years (tattoos, pet names, my adult apartment covered in maps and memorabilia - you get the point). I sighed, scowled, and groaned mercilessly while reading, and eventually completely gave up trying to understand even a semblance of what was going on in this story.This is NOT cannon, nor something I can physically or mentally endure sitting on my bookshelves next to what was the light of my childhood (and early adulthood if I'm honest). **SPOILER WARNING**. So many issues: the timeturner now apparently having the ability to go back decades, and create butterfly effect implications; Hermione's visage as a cold, cruel, DADA professor; Harry's Hermione-like myopic focus on his work, above his family; Ron - as a whole; too many others to list without losing my cool once again."
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Best Historical British & Irish Literature

A Column of Fire (Kingsbridge)
International bestselling author Ken Follett takes us deep into the treacherous world of powerful monarchs, intrigue, murder, and treason with his magnificent new epic, A Column of Fire . As power in England shifts precariously between Catholics and Protestants, royalty and commoners clash, testing friendship, loyalty, and love. The shrewd, determined young monarch sets up the country’s first secret service to give her early warning of assassination plots, rebellions, and invasion plans. Recommended reading by * The Washington Post * USA Today * New York Post * The Christian Science Monitor * The Philadelphia Inquirer *. A Column of Fire is absorbing, painlessly educational, and a great deal of fun.” —The Washington Post “Follett’s historical epics, including this one, evoke the Romantic adventures of Alexandre Dumas. “Fans of Follett's epic sagas The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End , set in the Middle Ages in the fictional city of Kingsbridge, will be thrilled by this latest installment.” —New York Post “[Follett is a] master of the sweeping, readable epic.” —The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Reviews
"We waited three years for a new Ken Follett novel and almost ten for the next, the third, book of his Kingsbridge story. If you know novels by Ken Follett, you know what you get: Tension, entertainment, a lot of well researched knowledge – and unfortunately a little black and white where you expect more gray. Two things first: Ken Follett gets back to Kingsbridge, his fictional town in England, for the third time, ten years after “World Without End” and 28 (!). It plays in Modern History, right after the reformation by the German monk Martin Luther (these days exactly 500 years ago). But there are evil villains, sexist and racist, very bad according to these our values and these guys giving him a hard time. But experience told us that the world is gray and evil characters are more interesting if they are complicated. Because Follett is such a good writer that you never lose track, also there are so many persons and plots."
"It's the greatest book I've ever read and it unearthed my passion for historical fiction. Even IF you're not into historical fiction, it's impossible that you wouldn't love this book or its series or any of Ken's novels."
"Centered in Elizabethan England and peopled primarily with English characters, it portrays the conflicting views (not all that many when you come down to it) between Catholics and Protestants and the ensuing horrible bloodshed through much of the 16th century. Evil Pierre, whose entire being is permeated by greed rather than religion, conspires with supporters of Catholicism in France (who are power-hungry rather than religious believers), triggering multiple episodes of bloodshed. A host of other characters, some historical and others fictional, take the reader from the coronation of Elizabeth to the Guy Fawkes plot and hopefully remind readers that religious (and racial, too, for that matter) differences are really superficial and that a great deal more unites people than divides them."
"That they seem too modern is periodically reinforced by the inclusion of words and phrases such as "dreamboat," "talking trash" and "puke,"--somewhat jarring to come across."
"I really wanted to like this book ."
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Best Contemporary British & Irish Literature

Me Before You: A Novel (Movie Tie-In)
Look out for Jojo’s new book, Still Me, the next book featuring Louisa Clark from Me Before You and After You , coming soon! They had nothing in common until love gave them everything to lose . “READ IT AND WEEP: Heartbreak collides with humor in Jojo Moyes’s Me Before You .”. — Good Housekeeping. There are also books where you become so invested in the characters, you force yourself to stop reading to prolong the experience because you don't want the story to end, and that's what can happen when you read Jojo Moyes' latest book, Me Before You . — Adriana Trigiani , New York Times bestselling author of The Shoemaker's Wife. “ME BEFORE YOU is a delicious surprise—funny and hopeful and heartbreaking, the kind of story that will keep you turning pages into the night. Lou Clark and Will Traynor will capture your heart and linger there long after their story has ended." — Eleanor Brown , New York Times bestselling author of The Weird Sisters. “Some books make you stop and think, compel you to examine your own take on life or your position or stand on an issue. Jojo Moyes’s Me Before You will surprise you—it is impossible not to put yourself in the characters’ shoes and you will find yourself thinking about the choices you might make if life changed in an instant. “Moyes’ twisting, turning, heartbreaking novel raises provocative moral questions while developing a truly unique relationship between two people brought together by chance. With shades of David Nicholls’ beloved One Day , Me Before You is the kind of book you simply can’t put down—even when you realize you don’t want to see it end. "Moyes’ latest is made heartwarming, thanks to the vibrancy of its main characters, both of whom will keep readers on their toes with their chemistry and witty repartee.
Reviews
"I myself was concerned with the way Alex spoke about his situation so the ending didn't surprise me but it was a bit sad to see that Louisa was caught in his web of negativity."
"This was the kind of book that I read through without thinking about the writing style because I was so immersed in the character development."
"When a job comes up that she literally has to take, that is when two unlikely people from different parts of the class spectrum collide into each others worlds. While Louisa is the funny and amusing and somewhat free spirited girl in the story, we also have Will who was once very different than what has put him in in current situation. The story goes on to show signs of love, life, happiness, changes, heartbreak and bravery. I understand where he came from and support his decisions, but a little part broke in me when Louisa finally understood."
"I have to applaud Moyes' high-quality writing, the way she seems to effortlessly string words together to tug the reader in whichever direction she pleases is impressive and the beginning of the book seemed promising, akin to the fault in our stars' plot line where the characters' illnesses provide them with a depth and humanity that makes their relationship and interactions intriguing. Will is surrounded by a family that cares for him, he has financial stability, he can still do countless activities despite his condition and most importantly, his life is enhanced by the presence of a character who is willing to give up absolutely everything for the slim chance to change his mind. No reason could have justified his choice but his decision to die is summed up as his inability to cope with the fact that he can no longer live the adventurous life he used to have or behave as the successful, athletic, popular, rich kid he once was. Will despises the fact that he can not make his own choices, and yet he urges Louisa to go back to school, move on with her life, and witness his death without regard for her only request - his presence."
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Best Shakespeare Works & Criticism

Macbeth (Folger Shakespeare Library)
The authoritative edition of Macbeth from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers, includes: -Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play. -Newly revised explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play. -Scene-by-scene plot summaries. -A key to the play’s famous lines and phrases. -An introduction to reading Shakespeare’s language. -An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play. -Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Library’s vast holdings of rare books. -An up-to-date annotated guide to further reading. The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. Although some think that sometime between 1610 and 1613 Shakespeare retired from the theater and returned home to Stratford, where he died in 1616, others believe that he may have continued to work in London until close to his death.
Reviews
"This book was not the exact edition of the book that I needed for class but the only differences were the page numbers and the cover, which is not a big deal."
"A good choice for The Tempest."
"They make all the difference to me, a new student to Shakespeare, at the ripe age of 59 years old....now I can understand and appreciate these amazing works of literature."
"I enjoyed Shakespeare in college (50 years ago) and now I get to attend a class with adults who are reading just for the joy, fun, of learning discussing."
"Although I was generally familiar with the story of Macbeth, it definitely made reading the play more enjoyable and understandable."
"Love Arkangel productions of Shakespeare plays."
"I got this for our 13 yr old daughter because I knew that she would like the story better if she could get around the language."
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