The Life of the Author: Shakespeare

Narration: Susan Ericksen

Runtime: 9h 55m

Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc, 2021

ISBN: 9781666106480

The Life of the Author: Shakespeare

Anna Beer


The Life of the Author: William Shakespeare provides an engaging biography of William Shakespeare, focusing on his multifaceted career as a poet, playwright, and actor. This audiobook explores his relationships with friends, colleagues, and family, encouraging listeners to reflect on the narratives we construct about him based on the evidence available. Delivered with scholarly citations, the narration remains approachable for those with little prior knowledge of Shakespeare or his time.

This audiobook delves into Shakespeare’s complex views on gender roles and sexuality, raising questions about his political and religious beliefs. Was he conservative or radical? Misogynist or proto-feminist? A lover of men or women, or both? Patriot or xenophobe? While it offers no straightforward answers, The Life of the Author: William Shakespeare presents a compelling portrait of a man deeply engaged with the world around him, showcasing his unique contributions to English literature.