The Shakespeare Book of Lists

The Shakespeare Book of Lists: The Ultimate Guide to the Bard, His Plays, and How They've Been Interpreted (and Misinterpreted) Through the Ages  by Michael Lominco
2008
Weight: 1 lb
Method of Disposal: Donating

I am not really a fan of Shakespeare.  Not since high school.  I know that is sacrilege.  More so because his house is not far from my wive's English home town and, if we wanted to, we could likely tour and experience all sorts of things Shakespeare that I may otherwise have never had access to.  Poor Harry already has endured those things before and is likely relieved I am not gunning to do them.

I just do not feel the need to keep plucking away at Shakespeare all this years later.  I've read so much of it over and over again.  This book is fun though, and it is packed with unique and strange information in a very readable format.  I think I student would like it best.

More Shakespeare

Hamlet Edited by Barbara A Mowat and Paul Werstine 1992
Othello and The Tragedy of Mariam (Tragedy by Elizabeth Cary) Edited by Clare Carroll 2003
Weight: 1 lb 12 oz
Method of Disposal: Donating

I wonder, on average, how many books the English Major graduate owns upon receiving their degree.  Do they usually keep them or give them away?  I have given away a lot of Shakespeare on this blog.  I will say, though, that I prefer to read the editions I was assigned in school.  They are not clunky and heavy like the complete works.  They often come with helpful and insightful commentary, theory, historical background.  These two editions were well used but are still in great shape and, I know, still being assigned in school.  I am sure they will make their way into loving and/or needful hands.
 

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare 
2000
Weight: 3.2 lbs
Method of Disposal: Donating

 

How is it possible to own so many "Complete Works" of William Shakespeare in various sizes and styles?  I really do not know if I am to blame or if it is because it is a common gift for an English major or what.  I cannot believe I have moved them all from place to place with me.  THAT is my fault.  I really should have narrowed it down to one.

This particular edition is leather with gold-lined pages.  It is a lovely copy.  I wonder if it will be regifted to some other poor student of English or Theater.

 

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Volume 1 and 2
1960
Weight: 4 lbs
Method of Disposal: Leaving at Joe's in East Atlanta on the "Friends of EA Library Book Cart"

My grandparents picked these books up for me at an estate sale fairly recently.  They have a great old book smell and yellowing pages.  I find them charming for those reasons alone.  They have very small print that is set up much like a Bible might be but without the super fine pages that I remember kids in high school smoking pot with.  These pages would never work for that!

I feel guilty about letting them go after such a short stay in my home, but I need to keep my eye on the prize, as they say, and I am not in need of more Shakespeare right now.  I have plenty of it to get rid of without adding more of the complete works.

I really did appreciate the gift and made sure to enjoy them for a short time before leaving them in a coffee shop.  Either way, they will be passed on, yet again, and they will make some new person happy.  I love books.
 

Illustrated Shakespeare

The Globe Illustrated: The Complete Works (Annotated) by Shakespeare
2001
Weight: 7.7 pounds
Method of Disposal: Giving to Vallan when she comes to watch my dogs for a few days


*I am sad to report that I have misplaced my camera and so could not post an original picture today. This is what the book looks like, but this image is from www.alibris.com.*

I have owned The Globe since I worked at Waldenbooks. It was too good to resist, a leather-bound, illustrated, massive book of Shakespeare. I had to have it. The only problem, of course, being that it is quite intimidating at 7.7 lbs and 2,364 pages. It looks like a large dictionary. Not to mention it is Shakespeare.

It is a wonderful idea, I am sure, but I will take my Shakespeare in one play (two plays if you want to push it) form from now on. It seems a little less overwhelming, and I enjoy it more. I have not read any since school, and I am not sure if I will return to it in the future. Of course, it is wonderful to read, but it is not really where I am at right now. It has not been one of my favorite things to read since High School and as I get older I just feel more and more distant for no good reason.

Luckily, there is still someone out there who cares about classic literature. I am giving this huge, honkin’ collection of rhymes, lyrics, and puns to Ms. Vallan as a thank you for watching the pups while I am away. She wanted it once, and I hope she still does.