"Reduced Shakespeare" by Reed Martin is a highly enjoyable and amusing book that takes readers on a delightful journey through the world of condensing and parodying famous literary works. Martin, together with his colleagues from the Reduced Shakespeare Company, offers readers an inside look into the process of creating abbreviated versions of Shakespeare's plays and other classics.
The book is filled with witty anecdotes and behind-the-scenes tales, providing readers with a glimpse into the captivating world of performing abridged adaptations of these beloved works. Martin's writing style is engaging and vibrant, successfully capturing the essence of the company's performances and infusing it onto the pages.
Throughout the book, Martin delves into the history and significance of abridgments, exploring the notable individuals who have ventured into similar endeavors in the past. This depth adds a layer of understanding to the art of condensing literature and bringing it to life for audiences.
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One of the standout features of "Reduced Shakespeare" is the inclusion of actual scripts from some of the company's most popular shows. This allows readers to directly experience the cleverness and creativity involved in shrinking a three-hour Shakespearean play into a concise, one-hour comedy. These scripts not only entertain but also provide valuable insight into the techniques employed by the performers.
In conclusion, "Reduced Shakespeare" is a charming and insightful book that will engage both literature enthusiasts and comedy lovers alike. Martin's clever writing style, along with the inclusion of scripts and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in the art of condensing and parodying classic literary works.
What are readers saying?
"Reduced Shakespeare" by Reed Martin has garnered a range of reviews from readers. Some thoroughly enjoyed the book's comedic and insightful approach to Shakespeare's works, while others found it lacking in depth and substance.
Many readers appreciated the humorous tone and engaging writing style of the book. They found it to be a fun and lighthearted introduction to Shakespeare's plays, making it accessible for those who might be intimidated by his works. The author's ability to condense each play into concise and entertaining summaries was also praised, allowing readers to grasp the main themes and storylines without feeling overwhelmed.
Some reviewers particularly enjoyed the witty commentary and clever references sprinkled throughout the book. They found it refreshing to see Shakespeare's works presented in a light-hearted manner, making the material more relatable and enjoyable. Additionally, the inclusion of behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the Reduced Shakespeare Company added an extra layer of entertainment value for readers.
However, there were readers who felt that the book lacked depth and didn't fully capture the complexity and beauty of Shakespeare's plays. They found the comedic approach to be too simplistic and craved a more nuanced exploration of the works. Some also expressed disappointment in the absence of critical analysis and scholarly insight.
Several readers noted that the book may be best suited for those with little to no prior knowledge of Shakespeare, as it serves as a light introduction to his plays. However, for readers seeking a more in-depth analysis or a comprehensive study of Shakespeare's works, they felt that this book fell short of their expectations.
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