In this engaging audiobook, world-renowned Shakespeare scholar Stephen Greenblatt explores the playwright’s insight into the nature of bad and often mad rulers. As Elizabeth I clung tenaciously to power in her later years, Shakespeare examined the psychological roots and social causes behind tyranny through his vivid characters like Richard III, Macbeth, Lear, and Coriolanus. Greenblatt delves into how these rulers and their societies reflect the catastrophic consequences of an insatiable lust for power.

Greenblatt’s narration sheds light on how Shakespeare’s works resonate with contemporary issues such as political disarray, economic strife, and the acceptance of dishonesty. He reveals the infantile psychology of demagogues and the opportunism of their supporters, presenting valuable insights on how their destructive impacts could be mitigated. This audiobook makes Shakespeare’s timeless themes accessible, demonstrating their relevance to today’s world.