A Shakespeare Story: Hamlet

By Andrew Matthews and Tony Ross

Book Overview

Murder most foul...An action-packed retelling of Shakespeare's dark tale of revenge and murder. With notes on Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre, and Revenge in Hamlet. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1841213403
• ISBN13: 9781841213408
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: Orchard Books
• Length: 64 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.5" x 0.2" x 7.1"

Customer Reviews

The language is simplified but not dumbed down

Hamlet is Hamlet. If you're purchasing the revised edition, it's for the additional information. This truly is "The Tragical History of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark," and not just about the prince, but also his family and friends. The tragedy begins in the previous generation. Will it end with Hamlet? Many people enjoy dissecting underlying themes and reading more into the characters' actions than was probably intended. Many phrases from Hamlet now challenge the Bible for those popular quotes that no one remembers where they originated. The real joy is in simply reading the story, and as you discover it isn’t as strange as you might have thought, you'll see many characters like these around you today. Here’s a summary: Old Hamlet defeated Old Fortinbras, taking Fortinbras' land. Now that Old Hamlet is dead, Young Fortinbras wants his land back and is willing to take it by force. Meanwhile, back in Denmark, Prince Hamlet, who is grieving excessively over his father’s death, receives an intriguing message from his father's ghost. It appears Old Hamlet was a victim of "murder most foul." Additionally, Hamlet’s Uncle and Mother even marry before the funeral meats are cold. The story revolves around Hamlet's indecision regarding how to act about his father's murder. However, he surprises many with his determination and insight. You’ll find many great film adaptations and imitations of the story; it is an engaging read, but it was truly meant to be watched. watched.