As an introduction to Shakespeare, this presentation of extracts from Shakespeare's greatest plays and sonnets should capture the imagination of parents and children alike. Shakespeare presents a gamut of human emotions - love, humour, murder, sorcery, violence and greatness. Each text is stylistically distinct, and the skilful use of calligraphy heightens and underscores the phonetic and dramatic qualities of Shakespeare's verse. The book explores four themes: young love, laughter and innocence; the dark and the sinister in human nature; war; and the choices facing us in life, as represented by the three caskets in "A Merchant of Venice".