Below is a small selection of print resources that include information about the life and times of William Shakespeare and his play Macbeth. You will also be able to locate study notes and companions for the play.

Locate these using the shelf Call No indicated. You will be able to locate further items on Shakespeare’s Theatre and Macbeth in the Library on the Non Fiction shelves at 792.0942 and 822.33.

William Shakespeare – Life and times

822.33B
Ashworth, L. (1997). William Shakespeare. Bath, U.K: Cherrytree Books.

This book tells the story of Shakespeare and the times he lived in.

822.33D
Claybourne, A., Treays, R., & Brooks, F. (2001). The Usborne internet-linked world of Shakespeare. London, England: Usborne.

Why is Shakespeare still so popular? Find out about how Shakespeare lived, what tricks of the trade he used, and how his works have been performed, interpreted and adapted from his lifetime right up to the present day.

822.33B
Reid, S. (2003). The life and world of William Shakespeare. Oxford: Heinemann Library.

Find out about who Shakespeare was in this brief biographical text.

822.33D
Kuiper, K. (Ed.). (2013). The life and times of William Shakespeare. New York: Britannica Educational Pub.

822.33D
Jay, R. (2000). Shakespeare : a beginner’s guide. London, England: Hodder & Stoughton.

This beginner’s guide contains the essential facts and concepts of the Bard and his work. It examines Shakespeare’s life and the times he lived in, as well as the language of the day and the themes and elements of his work. Key concepts are highlighted and explained in jargon-free language.

William Shakespeare – The theatre

822.33B
Shuter, J. (2014). Shakespeare and the theatre. London, England: Raintree.

This book outlines the world of the theatre in which William Shakespeare wrote and did business.

Macbeth: The Play – Analysis

822.33 T6
Greenhill, W., & Wignall, P. (1996). Macbeth. Oxford: Heinemann.

This book provides an introduction to Macbeth and Shakespeare’s theatre. As well as an explanation of the historical background of “Macbeth”, this book also includes profiles of actors, directors and designers who have worked on the play.

822.33 T6
Griffiths, K. (2016). Macbeth. New York: Cavendish Square Publishing.

Takes readers scene-by-scene through Macbeth while offering an in-depth analysis and overview. It included analysis of the characters, themes, motifs and symbols, as well as an examination about how Shakespeare’s works continue to find new life and remain relevant in the Internet Age.

822.33 D
Kuiper, K. (Ed.). (2013). The tragedies of William Shakespeare. New York: Britannica Educational Pub.

822.33 T6
Mulherin, J. (1994). Macbeth. Bath, U.K: Cherrytree Books.

Charts the downfall of a nobleman who murders the king in order to fulfil some witches’ promise that he himself will rule. The summarised story is followed by a brief description of the main characters.

822.33 T6
Thrasher, T. (2002). Understanding Macbeth. San Diego, California: Lucent.

Introduces William Shakespeare and his life as a playwright and husband to Anne Hathaway, and covers “Macbeth” by summarising its characters and plot and providing a literary analysis.

Macbeth: The Play – graphic novel or prose format

If you would like some help understanding the story of Macbeth, why not try one of these adaptations.