Book 27: Julius Caesar.

Book 27: Julius Caesar.
By William Shakespeare
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1599-ish
Rating:
3.5

From School Library Journal


Grade 5-8-One of the marks of Shakespeare's greatness is the continued interest in adapting his enduring works. This recording of Julius Caesar is one in a series drawn from Leon Garfield's Shakespeare Stories. Liberally sprinkled with lines from the original play, the recording presents a condensation of all five acts in a little more than an hour. Beginning with a brief biography of the Bard, the recording then offers a thorough but not lengthy overview of the play. All this sets the stage for Simon Russell Beale's well paced narration. This Royal Shakespeare Company veteran moves so skillfully between story text and dialogue that at times it seems as though there are several actors reading. Classic lines such as "Et tu. Brute" and "Friends, Romans, Countrymen " are rendered with fresh vigor. At the conclusion of the play, an article on "Shakespeare Today" offers suggestions to help youngsters have fun with Shakespeare. Short selections of period music make a nice transition between sections of the recording. Though aimed at a middle school audience, both teens and adults will find this presentation a good way to learn about one of the earliest plays performed at the Globe Theatre.

Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT


Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition
 
What Do I Think?
I've always been a fan of Shakespeare, and he never fails to impress me. We read this book for class, and most of them did not like it. It only bothers me that Bernard rushed through this book, giving no time to let it sink in. I actually really like this play. It shows how friends can stab your back (literally) and get a team of people against you. It shows the inner workings of man like nothing in today's literature could. If you think I differently, prove me wrong and send along a book.