Essential, 04 Sep 2008
Really great book that can be used throughout A level study or as a last minute revision guide.

This would be a good investment, 23 Mar 2004
I'm studying Hamlet at the moment and due to the nature of Shakespeare's over descriptive and complicated yet beautiful language, it's quite hard to follow and concentrate upon the plot. Though when I got this guide, I easily grasped what was happening and was able to concentrate more on the themes and language etc which you have to comment on in exams. It is helpful and gives lots of hints and info into what you're supposed to be focusing on in the scenes. It gives you ideas and pushes you in the right direction if you are struggling. It even has a glossary to simplify meanings and words. A more thorough understanding can be made from Hamlet and in the end you'll wonder why you didn't get this sooner. For five pounds, it's worth it, if you get an 'a' in your exams.

Getting to the Heart of Hamlet?, 23 Feb 2004
This is one of the most thorough study guides on the market, not likely to confuse anyone and particularly well informed on the latest developments in critical approaches to the play though never too dense for the average school student to digest. The scene summaries and commentaries are models of clarity and precision whilst the textual analyses are searching, provocative and incisive. There is an excellent bibliography and useful pointers to websites, films and theatrical tradition. An invaluable introduction to advanced studies and a handy revision tool for teachers pressurised to work on the play at short notice!

Nice clear summary of the action, 15 Apr 2002
The best aspect of this guide to Hamlet is the careful scene-by-scene summary of the action. The plot seems not so tricky to follow, after all. It's also good to be reminded of the significant differences between the quarto and folio versions of the play. Perhaps the authors should have devoted a bit more space to the really big issue raised by the play: the intermingling of good and evil in human existence. The assessment of Ophelia's character is strangely thin, as well. But it's very helpful, all in all.

A difficult task, 10 Apr 2000
To make an "informative" notebook on such a vast and complicated work, will never be easy. There are simply too many interpretative opportunities. But York Notes list up most of the basics, in a comprehensive manner.

Get the most from your music either at home or on the move with the PortaPro Hi-Fi headset. The remarkable comfort is provided by the adjustable headband and the "Comfort Zone" system sitting on the temporal pad for a comfortable, secure fit. Make the PortPro your companion for all your musical moments!

Essential, 04 Sep 2008
Really great book that can be used throughout A level study or as a last minute revision guide.

This would be a good investment, 23 Mar 2004
I'm studying Hamlet at the moment and due to the nature of Shakespeare's over descriptive and complicated yet beautiful language, it's quite hard to follow and concentrate upon the plot. Though when I got this guide, I easily grasped what was happening and was able to concentrate more on the themes and language etc which you have to comment on in exams. It is helpful and gives lots of hints and info into what you're supposed to be focusing on in the scenes. It gives you ideas and pushes you in the right direction if you are struggling. It even has a glossary to simplify meanings and words. A more thorough understanding can be made from Hamlet and in the end you'll wonder why you didn't get this sooner. For five pounds, it's worth it, if you get an 'a' in your exams.

Getting to the Heart of Hamlet?, 23 Feb 2004
This is one of the most thorough study guides on the market, not likely to confuse anyone and particularly well informed on the latest developments in critical approaches to the play though never too dense for the average school student to digest. The scene summaries and commentaries are models of clarity and precision whilst the textual analyses are searching, provocative and incisive. There is an excellent bibliography and useful pointers to websites, films and theatrical tradition. An invaluable introduction to advanced studies and a handy revision tool for teachers pressurised to work on the play at short notice!

Nice clear summary of the action, 15 Apr 2002
The best aspect of this guide to Hamlet is the careful scene-by-scene summary of the action. The plot seems not so tricky to follow, after all. It's also good to be reminded of the significant differences between the quarto and folio versions of the play. Perhaps the authors should have devoted a bit more space to the really big issue raised by the play: the intermingling of good and evil in human existence. The assessment of Ophelia's character is strangely thin, as well. But it's very helpful, all in all.

A difficult task, 10 Apr 2000
To make an "informative" notebook on such a vast and complicated work, will never be easy. There are simply too many interpretative opportunities. But York Notes list up most of the basics, in a comprehensive manner.

Absolutely phenominal!, 08 Nov 2008
This is absolutely amazing!
I've always considered myself as a "sensible Audiophile", in the sense that I wouldn't class the most expensive equipment as being the best by any means.
This just proves this. It proves it so well.

I have Rockbox installed on my iPod, listening to a HD Audio File (FLAC, not ALAC). This is phenominal. I can hear so clearly, the vocals, the instrumentals.. It's just mind boggling.
For the price, I would highly recommend this, words just cannot explain the sheer ecstacy my ears are recieving at this moment.

KOSS PORTAPRO, 02 Nov 2008
I have just bought the Koss Portapro headphones and am amaxed at the quality. While the bass doesn't give the stomach-churning bass of my Stax Electrostatics, these phones give excellent quality at a fraction of the cost.
Chris

GOOD FOR QUIET PLACES NOT NOISY ONES., 13 Oct 2008
These headphones are a testimony that not all things from the 80s are dead. They pump out very good, crispy clear music, they are very comfortable with a unique system that takes the pressure off your temple. The style will not be to everybody's liking for myself i don't worry too much about what others may say.
Now the negative. They is a big amount of sound leakage if you use them on the street or on the bus you will be sharing your music with everyone around you. I used them with the 1st generation ipod touch and they don't work well one needs to increase the sound to roughly 90% to really hear it and the outside noise intrusion does not help. I think you need a source with a powerful output. I think that they are more suitable for indoor use, i am moving to the skullcandy hesh but will still use the porta pro on my laptop.

Excellent for the Money!, 10 Oct 2008
These headphones really have to be heard to be believed. I cant believe the sound quality on such inexpensive phones. If you can live with the retro look these really are a must buy. They even come with a handy pouch to store them in when not in use.
Highly Recommend 5 Stars!

if you love heavy beats you'll love this one, 06 Oct 2008
ok, skip the all good nice bass spendid sound quality crispy clear tone etc., cause' we all know it's true! But I would say to a point, you might find the bass too heavy, a bit unbearable. For rock pop metallic lovers porta pro is GOLD, but if you're a classic, Opera, soprano fan who demands more on higher tones, porta pro is acceptable but I would get something else better if I were you.

Essential, 04 Sep 2008
Really great book that can be used throughout A level study or as a last minute revision guide.

This would be a good investment, 23 Mar 2004
I'm studying Hamlet at the moment and due to the nature of Shakespeare's over descriptive and complicated yet beautiful language, it's quite hard to follow and concentrate upon the plot. Though when I got this guide, I easily grasped what was happening and was able to concentrate more on the themes and language etc which you have to comment on in exams. It is helpful and gives lots of hints and info into what you're supposed to be focusing on in the scenes. It gives you ideas and pushes you in the right direction if you are struggling. It even has a glossary to simplify meanings and words. A more thorough understanding can be made from Hamlet and in the end you'll wonder why you didn't get this sooner. For five pounds, it's worth it, if you get an 'a' in your exams.

Getting to the Heart of Hamlet?, 23 Feb 2004
This is one of the most thorough study guides on the market, not likely to confuse anyone and particularly well informed on the latest developments in critical approaches to the play though never too dense for the average school student to digest. The scene summaries and commentaries are models of clarity and precision whilst the textual analyses are searching, provocative and incisive. There is an excellent bibliography and useful pointers to websites, films and theatrical tradition. An invaluable introduction to advanced studies and a handy revision tool for teachers pressurised to work on the play at short notice!

Nice clear summary of the action, 15 Apr 2002
The best aspect of this guide to Hamlet is the careful scene-by-scene summary of the action. The plot seems not so tricky to follow, after all. It's also good to be reminded of the significant differences between the quarto and folio versions of the play. Perhaps the authors should have devoted a bit more space to the really big issue raised by the play: the intermingling of good and evil in human existence. The assessment of Ophelia's character is strangely thin, as well. But it's very helpful, all in all.

A difficult task, 10 Apr 2000
To make an "informative" notebook on such a vast and complicated work, will never be easy. There are simply too many interpretative opportunities. But York Notes list up most of the basics, in a comprehensive manner.

Absolutely phenominal!, 08 Nov 2008
This is absolutely amazing!
I've always considered myself as a "sensible Audiophile", in the sense that I wouldn't class the most expensive equipment as being the best by any means.
This just proves this. It proves it so well.

I have Rockbox installed on my iPod, listening to a HD Audio File (FLAC, not ALAC). This is phenominal. I can hear so clearly, the vocals, the instrumentals.. It's just mind boggling.
For the price, I would highly recommend this, words just cannot explain the sheer ecstacy my ears are recieving at this moment.

KOSS PORTAPRO, 02 Nov 2008
I have just bought the Koss Portapro headphones and am amaxed at the quality. While the bass doesn't give the stomach-churning bass of my Stax Electrostatics, these phones give excellent quality at a fraction of the cost.
Chris

GOOD FOR QUIET PLACES NOT NOISY ONES., 13 Oct 2008
These headphones are a testimony that not all things from the 80s are dead. They pump out very good, crispy clear music, they are very comfortable with a unique system that takes the pressure off your temple. The style will not be to everybody's liking for myself i don't worry too much about what others may say.
Now the negative. They is a big amount of sound leakage if you use them on the street or on the bus you will be sharing your music with everyone around you. I used them with the 1st generation ipod touch and they don't work well one needs to increase the sound to roughly 90% to really hear it and the outside noise intrusion does not help. I think you need a source with a powerful output. I think that they are more suitable for indoor use, i am moving to the skullcandy hesh but will still use the porta pro on my laptop.

Excellent for the Money!, 10 Oct 2008
These headphones really have to be heard to be believed. I cant believe the sound quality on such inexpensive phones. If you can live with the retro look these really are a must buy. They even come with a handy pouch to store them in when not in use.
Highly Recommend 5 Stars!

if you love heavy beats you'll love this one, 06 Oct 2008
ok, skip the all good nice bass spendid sound quality crispy clear tone etc., cause' we all know it's true! But I would say to a point, you might find the bass too heavy, a bit unbearable. For rock pop metallic lovers porta pro is GOLD, but if you're a classic, Opera, soprano fan who demands more on higher tones, porta pro is acceptable but I would get something else better if I were you.

Brilliant!, 18 Aug 2006
This study guide weas invaluable to me when I was Doing Othello for my A.S levels as my techer was rubbish. thanks to this book though, it really clarified every aspect of the play for me. I definately would have been lost without it. So if you find Shakespeare a bit difficult to understand, getting this study guide (and those of the other plays) would deffinately be a great help to you.

The best study notes around, 22 Nov 2005
Designed for 'A' level students within the UK, these York Notes begin with a brief, but vital piece of advice on how to study a play - what to look for and why. A short introduction to 'Othello' is followed by extensive notes on the play, scene by scene, with further extended commentaries on problematic scenes. There is extensive character analysis of the leading actors, notes on the play's language, imagery, and themes, and a short biography of Shakespeare and exploration of his world. Altogether this is an excellent package.

York Notes provide the best available study guide - sophisticated commentary and analysis, yet accessible and readily comprehensible. However, don't assume it's going to give you pre-packaged answers you can reproduce under exam conditions and, especially, assume that reading the notes will obviate the need to study the play in detail. Read the play thoroughly, read it often, and try to watch a live or recorded production of 'Othello'.

A good study guide stimulates your understanding and makes the play easier to comprehend. It's worth collaborating with your fellow students - buy two or three different sets of study notes between you, share them around, and use them to get a broader perspective (have a look at, say Letts, and Spark Notes). Use the notes dynamically, don't just passively try to memorise them.

York Notes on Shakespeare's "Othello", 04 Jun 2005
A Level English Literiture isn't quite the walkover expected, and although it was plain sailing through the modern texts such as "The Handmaids Tale" and "The Worlds Wife", I came to abrupt block when I was given any texts featuring words such as "thee", "thy" "thence" and "how now"... otherwise known as pre-20th Century texts.
And so when Shakespeare landed on my desk last September, I cannot be blamed for breaking out into a cold sweat and feeling a big ball of dread in my gut and we opened up the play to Act 1, Scene 1.
But there was a light at the end of this dark tunnel. York Notes. I don't rate revision guides much, but York Notes saved me from failer for this module. It's clear and conscice, which is an immediate improvement on my Lit Teacher, and it is also organised into clear sections so you know what you are learning. The scene synopsis' were essential for me in learning to understand the play, and the analysis of LSF in later chapters was the perfect accompanyment to successful revsion.
What I also found a blessing was the guide highlighted key quotes, which made my revision ten-times simpler, and it also pre-analysed my quotes for me, so I didn't have to do the gruling task myself, all I had to do is memorize them!
And the Notes helped, I failed my mocks for this exam, and then after some good hard work on revision, I walked away from my exam with a happy A!
YORK NOTES ARE ESSENTIAL READING FOR LITERITURE STUDENTS!
10/10 - and york notes are avalible to accompany most books at GCSE and As/A2 Level, so have a bit of a search for other titles, they are not always simple to find on here, so try going to Waterstones where they sit together on the shelf!

Must have, 27 Jun 2004
This book help me greatly in my a level revision it gave excellent idea's and opinions which i had not heard of before and gave me a new perspetive on the play

Best Revision Guide, 08 Apr 2004
All I can say is that if you're studying A-level Othello, this is the book to have. Its informative, detailed, and brings up many good points which you'd otherwise not think of. A definate buy for those who wish to succeed in their exams.

This is undoubtedly the greatest love story ever written, spawning a host of imitators on stage and screen, including Leonard Bernstein's smash musical West Side Story, Franco Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet filmed in 1968, and Baz Luhrmann's postmodern film version Romeo + Juliet. The tragic feud between "Two households, both alike in dignity/In fair Verona", the Montagues and Capulets, which ultimately kills the two young "star-crossed lovers" and their "death-marked love" creates issues which have fascinated subsequent generations. The play deals with issues of intergenerational and familial conflict, as well as the power of language and the compelling relationship between sex and death, all of which makes it an incredibly modern play. It is also an early example of Shakespeare fusing poetry with dramatic action, as he moves from Romeo's lyrical account of Juliet--"she doth teach the torches to burn bright!" to the bustle and action of a 16th-century household (the play contains more scenes of ordinary working people than any of Shakespeare's other works). It also represents an experimental attempt to fuse comedy with tragedy. Up to the third act, the play proceeds along the lines of a classic romantic comedy. The turning point comes with the death of one of Shakespeare's finest early dramatic creations--Romeo's sexually ambivalent friend Mercutio, whose "plague o' both your houses" begins the play's descent into tragedy, "For never was a story of more woe/Than this of Juliet and her Romeo". --Jerry Brotton

Essential, 04 Sep 2008
Really great book that can be used throughout A level study or as a last minute revision guide.

This would be a good investment, 23 Mar 2004
I'm studying Hamlet at the moment and due to the nature of Shakespeare's over descriptive and complicated yet beautiful language, it's quite hard to follow and concentrate upon the plot. Though when I got this guide, I easily grasped what was happening and was able to concentrate more on the themes and language etc which you have to comment on in exams. It is helpful and gives lots of hints and info into what you're supposed to be focusing on in the scenes. It gives you ideas and pushes you in the right direction if you are struggling. It even has a glossary to simplify meanings and words. A more thorough understanding can be made from Hamlet and in the end you'll wonder why you didn't get this sooner. For five pounds, it's worth it, if you get an 'a' in your exams.

Getting to the Heart of Hamlet?, 23 Feb 2004
This is one of the most thorough study guides on the market, not likely to confuse anyone and particularly well informed on the latest developments in critical approaches to the play though never too dense for the average school student to digest. The scene summaries and commentaries are models of clarity and precision whilst the textual analyses are searching, provocative and incisive. There is an excellent bibliography and useful pointers to websites, films and theatrical tradition. An invaluable introduction to advanced studies and a handy revision tool for teachers pressurised to work on the play at short notice!

Nice clear summary of the action, 15 Apr 2002
The best aspect of this guide to Hamlet is the careful scene-by-scene summary of the action. The plot seems not so tricky to follow, after all. It's also good to be reminded of the significant differences between the quarto and folio versions of the play. Perhaps the authors should have devoted a bit more space to the really big issue raised by the play: the intermingling of good and evil in human existence. The assessment of Ophelia's character is strangely thin, as well. But it's very helpful, all in all.

A difficult task, 10 Apr 2000
To make an "informative" notebook on such a vast and complicated work, will never be easy. There are simply too many interpretative opportunities. But York Notes list up most of the basics, in a comprehensive manner.

Absolutely phenominal!, 08 Nov 2008
This is absolutely amazing!
I've always considered myself as a "sensible Audiophile", in the sense that I wouldn't class the most expensive equipment as being the best by any means.
This just proves this. It proves it so well.

I have Rockbox installed on my iPod, listening to a HD Audio File (FLAC, not ALAC). This is phenominal. I can hear so clearly, the vocals, the instrumentals.. It's just mind boggling.
For the price, I would highly recommend this, words just cannot explain the sheer ecstacy my ears are recieving at this moment.

KOSS PORTAPRO, 02 Nov 2008
I have just bought the Koss Portapro headphones and am amaxed at the quality. While the bass doesn't give the stomach-churning bass of my Stax Electrostatics, these phones give excellent quality at a fraction of the cost.
Chris

GOOD FOR QUIET PLACES NOT NOISY ONES., 13 Oct 2008
These headphones are a testimony that not all things from the 80s are dead. They pump out very good, crispy clear music, they are very comfortable with a unique system that takes the pressure off your temple. The style will not be to everybody's liking for myself i don't worry too much about what others may say.
Now the negative. They is a big amount of sound leakage if you use them on the street or on the bus you will be sharing your music with everyone around you. I used them with the 1st generation ipod touch and they don't work well one needs to increase the sound to roughly 90% to really hear it and the outside noise intrusion does not help. I think you need a source with a powerful output. I think that they are more suitable for indoor use, i am moving to the skullcandy hesh but will still use the porta pro on my laptop.

Excellent for the Money!, 10 Oct 2008
These headphones really have to be heard to be believed. I cant believe the sound quality on such inexpensive phones. If you can live with the retro look these really are a must buy. They even come with a handy pouch to store them in when not in use.
Highly Recommend 5 Stars!

if you love heavy beats you'll love this one, 06 Oct 2008
ok, skip the all good nice bass spendid sound quality crispy clear tone etc., cause' we all know it's true! But I would say to a point, you might find the bass too heavy, a bit unbearable. For rock pop metallic lovers porta pro is GOLD, but if you're a classic, Opera, soprano fan who demands more on higher tones, porta pro is acceptable but I would get something else better if I were you.

Brilliant!, 18 Aug 2006
This study guide weas invaluable to me when I was Doing Othello for my A.S levels as my techer was rubbish. thanks to this book though, it really clarified every aspect of the play for me. I definately would have been lost without it. So if you find Shakespeare a bit difficult to understand, getting this study guide (and those of the other plays) would deffinately be a great help to you.

The best study notes around, 22 Nov 2005
Designed for 'A' level students within the UK, these York Notes begin with a brief, but vital piece of advice on how to study a play - what to look for and why. A short introduction to 'Othello' is followed by extensive notes on the play, scene by scene, with further extended commentaries on problematic scenes. There is extensive character analysis of the leading actors, notes on the play's language, imagery, and themes, and a short biography of Shakespeare and exploration of his world. Altogether this is an excellent package.

York Notes provide the best available study guide - sophisticated commentary and analysis, yet accessible and readily comprehensible. However, don't assume it's going to give you pre-packaged answers you can reproduce under exam conditions and, especially, assume that reading the notes will obviate the need to study the play in detail. Read the play thoroughly, read it often, and try to watch a live or recorded production of 'Othello'.

A good study guide stimulates your understanding and makes the play easier to comprehend. It's worth collaborating with your fellow students - buy two or three different sets of study notes between you, share them around, and use them to get a broader perspective (have a look at, say Letts, and Spark Notes). Use the notes dynamically, don't just passively try to memorise them.

York Notes on Shakespeare's "Othello", 04 Jun 2005
A Level English Literiture isn't quite the walkover expected, and although it was plain sailing through the modern texts such as "The Handmaids Tale" and "The Worlds Wife", I came to abrupt block when I was given any texts featuring words such as "thee", "thy" "thence" and "how now"... otherwise known as pre-20th Century texts.
And so when Shakespeare landed on my desk last September, I cannot be blamed for breaking out into a cold sweat and feeling a big ball of dread in my gut and we opened up the play to Act 1, Scene 1.
But there was a light at the end of this dark tunnel. York Notes. I don't rate revision guides much, but York Notes saved me from failer for this module. It's clear and conscice, which is an immediate improvement on my Lit Teacher, and it is also organised into clear sections so you know what you are learning. The scene synopsis' were essential for me in learning to understand the play, and the analysis of LSF in later chapters was the perfect accompanyment to successful revsion.
What I also found a blessing was the guide highlighted key quotes, which made my revision ten-times simpler, and it also pre-analysed my quotes for me, so I didn't have to do the gruling task myself, all I had to do is memorize them!
And the Notes helped, I failed my mocks for this exam, and then after some good hard work on revision, I walked away from my exam with a happy A!
YORK NOTES ARE ESSENTIAL READING FOR LITERITURE STUDENTS!
10/10 - and york notes are avalible to accompany most books at GCSE and As/A2 Level, so have a bit of a search for other titles, they are not always simple to find on here, so try going to Waterstones where they sit together on the shelf!

Must have, 27 Jun 2004
This book help me greatly in my a level revision it gave excellent idea's and opinions which i had not heard of before and gave me a new perspetive on the play

Best Revision Guide, 08 Apr 2004
All I can say is that if you're studying A-level Othello, this is the book to have. Its informative, detailed, and brings up many good points which you'd otherwise not think of. A definate buy for those who wish to succeed in their exams.

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told, 20 May 2008
This work needs no introduction. Two star crossed lovers, divided by family feud, united by love, can ultimately only be together in death. The word "tragedy" was coined for it.

It is my favourite of Shakespeare's plays and is the original and best. There is nothing wrong with West Side Story or Shakespeare in Love or even William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet starring Leonardo di Caprio, but the pure essence of the Bard's poetry is here, in the original.

If it doesn't make you cry you have a heart of stone!

Unbeatable..., 25 Jan 2006
Everyone, but everyone has heard of this play if not read it. Even the Beckhams, aliterate as they seem, saw fit to give the bard a nod by naming one of their brats after the hero of one of Shakespeare's finest plays.

I recently re-read 'Romeo and Juliet' after completing a degree in English. Full of arrogence and the pretension of literary criticism I was sure that 'Hamlet', 'King Lear' and 'Othello' were the finest plays of Shakespeare. That has all changed again now. I had forgotten how sharp and darkly witty this play was and how easy it was to become so emotionally attached to the characters. This is never more so apparent than at the tragic climax of the play that leaves you with the bitter-sweet feeling that you have just experienced one of the finest worls of fiction coupled with the ironic sacrifice of the two most famous characters in history. How can you not love this play?

The perfect love tradgedy, 20 Feb 2004
Quite simply, you need this in your collection. Some of the most quotable (and misquoted) work ever produced. The story is well known to all, but the lyrical qualities only come through when you read this remarkable piece. If you want all the analysis surrounding it, then this is not the version for you (try Arden) but if you want the words - which are enough in themselves - then this is a well priced essential.

A "nine year old" enjoying Shakespeare, 16 Mar 2002
This edition provides an easy way of introducing youngsters into the world of the classics in a small paperback, we have played the parts! and it's amazing how they enjoy and understand.

A beautiful story of two star cross'd lovers..., 30 Apr 2000
This is the most beautiful, love story in the world. The ending (even though it is tear jerking) makes it all the more beautiful and magical.

Essential, 04 Sep 2008
Really great book that can be used throughout A level study or as a last minute revision guide.

This would be a good investment, 23 Mar 2004
I'm studying Hamlet at the moment and due to the nature of Shakespeare's over descriptive and complicated yet beautiful language, it's quite hard to follow and concentrate upon the plot. Though when I got this guide, I easily grasped what was happening and was able to concentrate more on the themes and language etc which you have to comment on in exams. It is helpful and gives lots of hints and info into what you're supposed to be focusing on in the scenes. It gives you ideas and pushes you in the right direction if you are struggling. It even has a glossary to simplify meanings and words. A more thorough understanding can be made from Hamlet and in the end you'll wonder why you didn't get this sooner. For five pounds, it's worth it, if you get an 'a' in your exams.

Getting to the Heart of Hamlet?, 23 Feb 2004
This is one of the most thorough study guides on the market, not likely to confuse anyone and particularly well informed on the latest developments in critical approaches to the play though never too dense for the average school student to digest. The scene summaries and commentaries are models of clarity and precision whilst the textual analyses are searching, provocative and incisive. There is an excellent bibliography and useful pointers to websites, films and theatrical tradition. An invaluable introduction to advanced studies and a handy revision tool for teachers pressurised to work on the play at short notice!

Nice clear summary of the action, 15 Apr 2002
The best aspect of this guide to Hamlet is the careful scene-by-scene summary of the action. The plot seems not so tricky to follow, after all. It's also good to be reminded of the significant differences between the quarto and folio versions of the play. Perhaps the authors should have devoted a bit more space to the really big issue raised by the play: the intermingling of good and evil in human existence. The assessment of Ophelia's character is strangely thin, as well. But it's very helpful, all in all.

A difficult task, 10 Apr 2000
To make an "informative" notebook on such a vast and complicated work, will never be easy. There are simply too many interpretative opportunities. But York Notes list up most of the basics, in a comprehensive manner.

Absolutely phenominal!, 08 Nov 2008
This is absolutely amazing!
I've always considered myself as a "sensible Audiophile", in the sense that I wouldn't class the most expensive equipment as being the best by any means.
This just proves this. It proves it so well.

I have Rockbox installed on my iPod, listening to a HD Audio File (FLAC, not ALAC). This is phenominal. I can hear so clearly, the vocals, the instrumentals.. It's just mind boggling.
For the price, I would highly recommend this, words just cannot explain the sheer ecstacy my ears are recieving at this moment.

KOSS PORTAPRO, 02 Nov 2008
I have just bought the Koss Portapro headphones and am amaxed at the quality. While the bass doesn't give the stomach-churning bass of my Stax Electrostatics, these phones give excellent quality at a fraction of the cost.
Chris

GOOD FOR QUIET PLACES NOT NOISY ONES., 13 Oct 2008
These headphones are a testimony that not all things from the 80s are dead. They pump out very good, crispy clear music, they are very comfortable with a unique system that takes the pressure off your temple. The style will not be to everybody's liking for myself i don't worry too much about what others may say.
Now the negative. They is a big amount of sound leakage if you use them on the street or on the bus you will be sharing your music with everyone around you. I used them with the 1st generation ipod touch and they don't work well one needs to increase the sound to roughly 90% to really hear it and the outside noise intrusion does not help. I think you need a source with a powerful output. I think that they are more suitable for indoor use, i am moving to the skullcandy hesh but will still use the porta pro on my laptop.

Excellent for the Money!, 10 Oct 2008
These headphones really have to be heard to be believed. I cant believe the sound quality on such inexpensive phones. If you can live with the retro look these really are a must buy. They even come with a handy pouch to store them in when not in use.
Highly Recommend 5 Stars!

if you love heavy beats you'll love this one, 06 Oct 2008
ok, skip the all good nice bass spendid sound quality crispy clear tone etc., cause' we all know it's true! But I would say to a point, you might find the bass too heavy, a bit unbearable. For rock pop metallic lovers porta pro is GOLD, but if you're a classic, Opera, soprano fan who demands more on higher tones, porta pro is acceptable but I would get something else better if I were you.

Brilliant!, 18 Aug 2006
This study guide weas invaluable to me when I was Doing Othello for my A.S levels as my techer was rubbish. thanks to this book though, it really clarified every aspect of the play for me. I definately would have been lost without it. So if you find Shakespeare a bit difficult to understand, getting this study guide (and those of the other plays) would deffinately be a great help to you.

The best study notes around, 22 Nov 2005
Designed for 'A' level students within the UK, these York Notes begin with a brief, but vital piece of advice on how to study a play - what to look for and why. A short introduction to 'Othello' is followed by extensive notes on the play, scene by scene, with further extended commentaries on problematic scenes. There is extensive character analysis of the leading actors, notes on the play's language, imagery, and themes, and a short biography of Shakespeare and exploration of his world. Altogether this is an excellent package.

York Notes provide the best available study guide - sophisticated commentary and analysis, yet accessible and readily comprehensible. However, don't assume it's going to give you pre-packaged answers you can reproduce under exam conditions and, especially, assume that reading the notes will obviate the need to study the play in detail. Read the play thoroughly, read it often, and try to watch a live or recorded production of 'Othello'.

A good study guide stimulates your understanding and makes the play easier to comprehend. It's worth collaborating with your fellow students - buy two or three different sets of study notes between you, share them around, and use them to get a broader perspective (have a look at, say Letts, and Spark Notes). Use the notes dynamically, don't just passively try to memorise them.

York Notes on Shakespeare's "Othello", 04 Jun 2005
A Level English Literiture isn't quite the walkover expected, and although it was plain sailing through the modern texts such as "The Handmaids Tale" and "The Worlds Wife", I came to abrupt block when I was given any texts featuring words such as "thee", "thy" "thence" and "how now"... otherwise known as pre-20th Century texts.
And so when Shakespeare landed on my desk last September, I cannot be blamed for breaking out into a cold sweat and feeling a big ball of dread in my gut and we opened up the play to Act 1, Scene 1.
But there was a light at the end of this dark tunnel. York Notes. I don't rate revision guides much, but York Notes saved me from failer for this module. It's clear and conscice, which is an immediate improvement on my Lit Teacher, and it is also organised into clear sections so you know what you are learning. The scene synopsis' were essential for me in learning to understand the play, and the analysis of LSF in later chapters was the perfect accompanyment to successful revsion.
What I also found a blessing was the guide highlighted key quotes, which made my revision ten-times simpler, and it also pre-analysed my quotes for me, so I didn't have to do the gruling task myself, all I had to do is memorize them!
And the Notes helped, I failed my mocks for this exam, and then after some good hard work on revision, I walked away from my exam with a happy A!
YORK NOTES ARE ESSENTIAL READING FOR LITERITURE STUDENTS!
10/10 - and york notes are avalible to accompany most books at GCSE and As/A2 Level, so have a bit of a search for other titles, they are not always simple to find on here, so try going to Waterstones where they sit together on the shelf!

Must have, 27 Jun 2004
This book help me greatly in my a level revision it gave excellent idea's and opinions which i had not heard of before and gave me a new perspetive on the play

Best Revision Guide, 08 Apr 2004
All I can say is that if you're studying A-level Othello, this is the book to have. Its informative, detailed, and brings up many good points which you'd otherwise not think of. A definate buy for those who wish to succeed in their exams.

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told, 20 May 2008
This work needs no introduction. Two star crossed lovers, divided by family feud, united by love, can ultimately only be together in death. The word "tragedy" was coined for it.

It is my favourite of Shakespeare's plays and is the original and best. There is nothing wrong with West Side Story or Shakespeare in Love or even William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet starring Leonardo di Caprio, but the pure essence of the Bard's poetry is here, in the original.

If it doesn't make you cry you have a heart of stone!

Unbeatable..., 25 Jan 2006
Everyone, but everyone has heard of this play if not read it. Even the Beckhams, aliterate as they seem, saw fit to give the bard a nod by naming one of their brats after the hero of one of Shakespeare's finest plays.

I recently re-read 'Romeo and Juliet' after completing a degree in English. Full of arrogence and the pretension of literary criticism I was sure that 'Hamlet', 'King Lear' and 'Othello' were the finest plays of Shakespeare. That has all changed again now. I had forgotten how sharp and darkly witty this play was and how easy it was to become so emotionally attached to the characters. This is never more so apparent than at the tragic climax of the play that leaves you with the bitter-sweet feeling that you have just experienced one of the finest worls of fiction coupled with the ironic sacrifice of the two most famous characters in history. How can you not love this play?

The perfect love tradgedy, 20 Feb 2004
Quite simply, you need this in your collection. Some of the most quotable (and misquoted) work ever produced. The story is well known to all, but the lyrical qualities only come through when you read this remarkable piece. If you want all the analysis surrounding it, then this is not the version for you (try Arden) but if you want the words - which are enough in themselves - then this is a well priced essential.

A "nine year old" enjoying Shakespeare, 16 Mar 2002
This edition provides an easy way of introducing youngsters into the world of the classics in a small paperback, we have played the parts! and it's amazing how they enjoy and understand.

A beautiful story of two star cross'd lovers..., 30 Apr 2000
This is the most beautiful, love story in the world. The ending (even though it is tear jerking) makes it all the more beautiful and magical.

Really boring, 27 Apr 2008
This book is incredibly boring.

This Shakespeare guy is way over-rated.

it is written in old English so you need an other book to simply translate it's text. In this day and age you would be insane to read this for fun. Rent a blu-ray disc or go to the cinema or something.

On the other hand if you are doing it for school then I guess you have to buy it.

Prompted by prophecies, 12 Apr 2007
The only Shakespearean tragedy that has a villain as its hero, Macbeth presents a stark and disturbing view of the psychology of wickedness and guilt.
Prompted by the prophecies of three mysterious witches and goaded by his ambitious wife, the Scottish thane Macbeth murders Duncan, King of Scotland, in order to succeed him on the throne. This foul deed soon entangles the conscience-stricken nobleman in a web of treachery, deceit and more murders that ultimately spells his doom.

Happy birthday ' Macbeth', 25 May 2006
How many modern plays do you think will still be gripping audiences and in regular performance to full houses four hundred years after they were written?

Why is this play so great? Written by a genius every word, every phrase, builds together to create the drama and tension of a man and his wife whose lives and country are torn apart by unlimited ambition. This could be the plot of a 21st century blockbuster film, but it isn't. On the other hand, wait a few weeks and undoubtedly it will be!

The skill of Shakespeare is to make us simultaneously love and loathe our two chief characters - to want them to be punished for their crimes whilst sympathising with their suffering. By the end of the play you don't know whether to laugh or cry for them. Once you've read it make sure you go and see it live in the theatre and experience the magic.

This is a cheap and cheerful copy of the play - good enough to write notes all over if you are a student, practical enough to keep on the shelf for reference if you are a Shakespeare addict. For this give away price how can you not have one of these on your shelf?

Shakespeare's Best?, 05 May 2005
There is no doubt about what Shakespeare's best plays are; namely the 7 tragedies written between 1599 and 1608 (Antony and Cleopatra, Hamlet, Julius Caesar, King Lear, Macbeth, Othello and Titus Andronicus).

But why say that Macbeth is perhaps the best one?
There has been a lot of pointless and fun debate about what Shakespeare's best play might be and there will be even more debate about in the future.
But why not say that Hamlet the best is or Othello, King Lear like most people do say?

Well for 2 reasons:

Best complex villain: Shakespeare has tried trough out his whole carrier to create his perfect image of a villain. To take a historical figure which does seem almost pure evil and portray him such a way that his actions will look almost justified. So that the audience will be able to sympathize and understand a person which they normally would condemn him as being as terrible and say that his actions could not have any reasonable justification. And together whit Brutus in Julius Caesar Shakespeare does succeed best in this whit Macbeth. Macbeth might have been in realty a terrible man, but here he is shown as a innocent good men who got messed up almost by accident in the middle of the events that take place and Lady Macbeth is portrayed as the real villain.

A amazing prophesy factor: A lot of Shakespeare's play have that what I will call here the prophesy factor. A lot of his characters which are going straight towards their damnation. Often get to know about their future damnation. Very common in plays of his time. In Macbeth this is shown very beautiful how a man aware of how he will come to his end goes still straight towards it unable to avoid it.

Look also out for the part in the ending whit "the man born not out of a womb".

If you decide to pick up a copy of Macbeth or are about to go and view a production of it, I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Shakespeare's Best?, 05 May 2005
There is no doubt about what Shakespeare's best plays are; namely the 7 tragedies written between 1599 and 1608 (Antony and Cleopatra, Hamlet, Julius Caesar, King Lear, Macbeth, Othello and Titus Andronicus).

But why say that Macbeth is perhaps the best one?
There has been a lot of pointless and fun debate about what Shakespeare's best play might be and there will be even more debate about in the future.
But why not say that Hamlet the best is or Othello, King Lear like most people do say?

Well for 2 reasons:

Best complex villain: Shakespeare has tried trough out his whole carrier to create his perfect image of a villain. To take a historical figure which does seem almost pure evil and portray him such a way that his actions will look almost justified. So that the audience will be able to sympathize and understand a person which they normally would condemn him as being as terrible and say that his actions could not have any reasonable justification. And together whit Brutus in Julius Caesar Shakespeare does succeed best in this whit Macbeth. Macbeth might have been in realty a terrible man, but here he is shown as a innocent good men who got messed up almost by accident in the middle of the events that take place and Lady Macbeth is portrayed as the real villain.

A amazing prophesy factor: A lot of Shakespeare's play have that what I will call here the prophesy factor. A lot of his characters which are going straight towards their damnation. Often get to know about their future damnation. Very common in plays of his time. In Macbeth this is shown very beautiful how a man aware of how he will come to his end goes still straight towards it unable to avoid it.

Look also out for the part in the ending whit "the man born not out of a womb".

If you decide to pick up a copy of Macbeth or are about to go and view a production of it, I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Essential, 04 Sep 2008
Really great book that can be used throughout A level study or as a last minute revision guide.

This would be a good investment, 23 Mar 2004
I'm studying Hamlet at the moment and due to the nature of Shakespeare's over descriptive and complicated yet beautiful language, it's quite hard to follow and concentrate upon the plot. Though when I got this guide, I easily grasped what was happening and was able to concentrate more on the themes and language etc which you have to comment on in exams. It is helpful and gives lots of hints and info into what you're supposed to be focusing on in the scenes. It gives you ideas and pushes you in the right direction if you are struggling. It even has a glossary to simplify meanings and words. A more thorough understanding can be made from Hamlet and in the end you'll wonder why you didn't get this sooner. For five pounds, it's worth it, if you get an 'a' in your exams.

Getting to the Heart of Hamlet?, 23 Feb 2004
This is one of the most thorough study guides on the market, not likely to confuse anyone and particularly well informed on the latest developments in critical approaches to the play though never too dense for the average school student to digest. The scene summaries and commentaries are models of clarity and precision whilst the textual analyses are searching, provocative and incisive. There is an excellent bibliography and useful pointers to websites, films and theatrical tradition. An invaluable introduction to advanced studies and a handy revision tool for teachers pressurised to work on the play at short notice!

Nice clear summary of the action, 15 Apr 2002
The best aspect of this guide to Hamlet is the careful scene-by-scene summary of the action. The plot seems not so tricky to follow, after all. It's also good to be reminded of the significant differences between the quarto and folio versions of the play. Perhaps the authors should have devoted a bit more space to the really big issue raised by the play: the intermingling of good and evil in human existence. The assessment of Ophelia's character is strangely thin, as well. But it's very helpful, all in all.

A difficult task, 10 Apr 2000
To make an "informative" notebook on such a vast and complicated work, will never be easy. There are simply too many interpretative opportunities. But York Notes list up most of the basics, in a comprehensive manner.

Absolutely phenominal!, 08 Nov 2008
This is absolutely amazing!
I've always considered myself as a "sensible Audiophile", in the sense that I wouldn't class the most expensive equipment as being the best by any means.
This just proves this. It proves it so well.

I have Rockbox installed on my iPod, listening to a HD Audio File (FLAC, not ALAC). This is phenominal. I can hear so clearly, the vocals, the instrumentals.. It's just mind boggling.
For the price, I would highly recommend this, words just cannot explain the sheer ecstacy my ears are recieving at this moment.

KOSS PORTAPRO, 02 Nov 2008
I have just bought the Koss Portapro headphones and am amaxed at the quality. While the bass doesn't give the stomach-churning bass of my Stax Electrostatics, these phones give excellent quality at a fraction of the cost.
Chris

GOOD FOR QUIET PLACES NOT NOISY ONES., 13 Oct 2008
These headphones are a testimony that not all things from the 80s are dead. They pump out very good, crispy clear music, they are very comfortable with a unique system that takes the pressure off your temple. The style will not be to everybody's liking for myself i don't worry too much about what others may say.
Now the negative. They is a big amount of sound leakage if you use them on the street or on the bus you will be sharing your music with everyone around you. I used them with the 1st generation ipod touch and they don't work well one needs to increase the sound to roughly 90% to really hear it and the outside noise intrusion does not help. I think you need a source with a powerful output. I think that they are more suitable for indoor use, i am moving to the skullcandy hesh but will still use the porta pro on my laptop.

Excellent for the Money!, 10 Oct 2008
These headphones really have to be heard to be believed. I cant believe the sound quality on such inexpensive phones. If you can live with the retro look these really are a must buy. They even come with a handy pouch to store them in when not in use.
Highly Recommend 5 Stars!

if you love heavy beats you'll love this one, 06 Oct 2008
ok, skip the all good nice bass spendid sound quality crispy clear tone etc., cause' we all know it's true! But I would say to a point, you might find the bass too heavy, a bit unbearable. For rock pop metallic lovers porta pro is GOLD, but if you're a classic, Opera, soprano fan who demands more on higher tones, porta pro is acceptable but I would get something else better if I were you.

Brilliant!, 18 Aug 2006
This study guide weas invaluable to me when I was Doing Othello for my A.S levels as my techer was rubbish. thanks to this book though, it really clarified every aspect of the play for me. I definately would have been lost without it. So if you find Shakespeare a bit difficult to understand, getting this study guide (and those of the other plays) would deffinately be a great help to you.

The best study notes around, 22 Nov 2005
Designed for 'A' level students within the UK, these York Notes begin with a brief, but vital piece of advice on how to study a play - what to look for and why. A short introduction to 'Othello' is followed by extensive notes on the play, scene by scene, with further extended commentaries on problematic scenes. There is extensive character analysis of the leading actors, notes on the play's language, imagery, and themes, and a short biography of Shakespeare and exploration of his world. Altogether this is an excellent package.

York Notes provide the best available study guide - sophisticated commentary and analysis, yet accessible and readily comprehensible. However, don't assume it's going to give you pre-packaged answers you can reproduce under exam conditions and, especially, assume that reading the notes will obviate the need to study the play in detail. Read the play thoroughly, read it often, and try to watch a live or recorded production of 'Othello'.

A good study guide stimulates your understanding and makes the play easier to comprehend. It's worth collaborating with your fellow students - buy two or three different sets of study notes between you, share them around, and use them to get a broader perspective (have a look at, say Letts, and Spark Notes). Use the notes dynamically, don't just passively try to memorise them.

York Notes on Shakespeare's "Othello", 04 Jun 2005
A Level English Literiture isn't quite the walkover expected, and although it was plain sailing through the modern texts such as "The Handmaids Tale" and "The Worlds Wife", I came to abrupt block when I was given any texts featuring words such as "thee", "thy" "thence" and "how now"... otherwise known as pre-20th Century texts.
And so when Shakespeare landed on my desk last September, I cannot be blamed for breaking out into a cold sweat and feeling a big ball of dread in my gut and we opened up the play to Act 1, Scene 1.
But there was a light at the end of this dark tunnel. York Notes. I don't rate revision guides much, but York Notes saved me from failer for this module. It's clear and conscice, which is an immediate improvement on my Lit Teacher, and it is also organised into clear sections so you know what you are learning. The scene synopsis' were essential for me in learning to understand the play, and the analysis of LSF in later chapters was the perfect accompanyment to successful revsion.
What I also found a blessing was the guide highlighted key quotes, which made my revision ten-times simpler, and it also pre-analysed my quotes for me, so I didn't have to do the gruling task myself, all I had to do is memorize them!
And the Notes helped, I failed my mocks for this exam, and then after some good hard work on revision, I walked away from my exam with a happy A!
YORK NOTES ARE ESSENTIAL READING FOR LITERITURE STUDENTS!
10/10 - and york notes are avalible to accompany most books at GCSE and As/A2 Level, so have a bit of a search for other titles, they are not always simple to find on here, so try going to Waterstones where they sit together on the shelf!

Must have, 27 Jun 2004
This book help me greatly in my a level revision it gave excellent idea's and opinions which i had not heard of before and gave me a new perspetive on the play

Best Revision Guide, 08 Apr 2004
All I can say is that if you're studying A-level Othello, this is the book to have. Its informative, detailed, and brings up many good points which you'd otherwise not think of. A definate buy for those who wish to succeed in their exams.

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told, 20 May 2008
This work needs no introduction. Two star crossed lovers, divided by family feud, united by love, can ultimately only be together in death. The word "tragedy" was coined for it.

It is my favourite of Shakespeare's plays and is the original and best. There is nothing wrong with West Side Story or Shakespeare in Love or even William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet starring Leonardo di Caprio, but the pure essence of the Bard's poetry is here, in the original.

If it doesn't make you cry you have a heart of stone!

Unbeatable..., 25 Jan 2006
Everyone, but everyone has heard of this play if not read it. Even the Beckhams, aliterate as they seem, saw fit to give the bard a nod by naming one of their brats after the hero of one of Shakespeare's finest plays.

I recently re-read 'Romeo and Juliet' after completing a degree in English. Full of arrogence and the pretension of literary criticism I was sure that 'Hamlet', 'King Lear' and 'Othello' were the finest plays of Shakespeare. That has all changed again now. I had forgotten how sharp and darkly witty this play was and how easy it was to become so emotionally attached to the characters. This is never more so apparent than at the tragic climax of the play that leaves you with the bitter-sweet feeling that you have just experienced one of the finest worls of fiction coupled with the ironic sacrifice of the two most famous characters in history. How can you not love this play?

The perfect love tradgedy, 20 Feb 2004
Quite simply, you need this in your collection. Some of the most quotable (and misquoted) work ever produced. The story is well known to all, but the lyrical qualities only come through when you read this remarkable piece. If you want all the analysis surrounding it, then this is not the version for you (try Arden) but if you want the words - which are enough in themselves - then this is a well priced essential.

A "nine year old" enjoying Shakespeare, 16 Mar 2002
This edition provides an easy way of introducing youngsters into the world of the classics in a small paperback, we have played the parts! and it's amazing how they enjoy and understand.

A beautiful story of two star cross'd lovers..., 30 Apr 2000
This is the most beautiful, love story in the world. The ending (even though it is tear jerking) makes it all the more beautiful and magical.

Really boring, 27 Apr 2008
This book is incredibly boring.

This Shakespeare guy is way over-rated.

it is written in old English so you need an other book to simply translate it's text. In this day and age you would be insane to read this for fun. Rent a blu-ray disc or go to the cinema or something.

On the other hand if you are doing it for school then I guess you have to buy it.

Prompted by prophecies, 12 Apr 2007
The only Shakespearean tragedy that has a villain as its hero, Macbeth presents a stark and disturbing view of the psychology of wickedness and guilt.
Prompted by the prophecies of three mysterious witches and goaded by his ambitious wife, the Scottish thane Macbeth murders Duncan, King of Scotland, in order to succeed him on the throne. This foul deed soon entangles the conscience-stricken nobleman in a web of treachery, deceit and more murders that ultimately spells his doom.

Happy birthday ' Macbeth', 25 May 2006
How many modern plays do you think will still be gripping audiences and in regular performance to full houses four hundred years after they were written?

Why is this play so great? Written by a genius every word, every phrase, builds together to create the drama and tension of a man and his wife whose lives and country are torn apart by unlimited ambition. This could be the plot of a 21st century blockbuster film, but it isn't. On the other hand, wait a few weeks and undoubtedly it will be!

The skill of Shakespeare is to make us simultaneously love and loathe our two chief characters - to want them to be punished for their crimes whilst sympathising with their suffering. By the end of the play you don't know whether to laugh or cry for them. Once you've read it make sure you go and see it live in the theatre and experience the magic.

This is a cheap and cheerful copy of the play - good enough to write notes all over if you are a student, practical enough to keep on the shelf for reference if you are a Shakespeare addict. For this give away price how can you not have one of these on your shelf?

Shakespeare's Best?, 05 May 2005
There is no doubt about what Shakespeare's best plays are; namely the 7 tragedies written between 1599 and 1608 (Antony and Cleopatra, Hamlet, Julius Caesar, King Lear, Macbeth, Othello and Titus Andronicus).

But why say that Macbeth is perhaps the best one?
There has been a lot of pointless and fun debate about what Shakespeare's best play might be and there will be even more debate about in the future.
But why not say that Hamlet the best is or Othello, King Lear like most people do say?

Well for 2 reasons:

Best complex villain: Shakespeare has tried trough out his whole carrier to create his perfect image of a villain. To take a historical figure which does seem almost pure evil and portray him such a way that his actions will look almost justified. So that the audience will be able to sympathize and understand a person which they normally would condemn him as being as terrible and say that his actions could not have any reasonable justification. And together whit Brutus in Julius Caesar Shakespeare does succeed best in this whit Macbeth. Macbeth might have been in realty a terrible man, but here he is shown as a innocent good men who got messed up almost by accident in the middle of the events that take place and Lady Macbeth is portrayed as the real villain.

A amazing prophesy factor: A lot of Shakespeare's play have that what I will call here the prophesy factor. A lot of his characters which are going straight towards their damnation. Often get to know about their future damnation. Very common in plays of his time. In Macbeth this is shown very beautiful how a man aware of how he will come to his end goes still straight towards it unable to avoid it.

Look also out for the part in the ending whit "the man born not out of a womb".

If you decide to pick up a copy of Macbeth or are about to go and view a production of it, I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Shakespeare's Best?, 05 May 2005
There is no doubt about what Shakespeare's best plays are; namely the 7 tragedies written between 1599 and 1608 (Antony and Cleopatra, Hamlet, Julius Caesar, King Lear, Macbeth, Othello and Titus Andronicus).

But why say that Macbeth is perhaps the best one?
There has been a lot of pointless and fun debate about what Shakespeare's best play might be and there will be even more debate about in the future.
But why not say that Hamlet the best is or Othello, King Lear like most people do say?

Well for 2 reasons:

Best complex villain: Shakespeare has tried trough out his whole carrier to create his perfect image of a villain. To take a historical figure which does seem almost pure evil and portray him such a way that his actions will look almost justified. So that the audience will be able to sympathize and understand a person which they normally would condemn him as being as terrible and say that his actions could not have any reasonable justification. And together whit Brutus in Julius Caesar Shakespeare does succeed best in this whit Macbeth. Macbeth might have been in realty a terrible man, but here he is shown as a innocent good men who got messed up almost by accident in the middle of the events that take place and Lady Macbeth is portrayed as the real villain.

A amazing prophesy factor: A lot of Shakespeare's play have that what I will call here the prophesy factor. A lot of his characters which are going straight towards their damnation. Often get to know about their future damnation. Very common in plays of his time. In Macbeth this is shown very beautiful how a man aware of how he will come to his end goes still straight towards it unable to avoid it.

Look also out for the part in the ending whit "the man born not out of a womb".

If you decide to pick up a copy of Macbeth or are about to go and view a production of it, I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Fantastic., 08 Jan 2008
Arguably Tennessee Williams' best loved and most popular play, 'A Streetcar Named Desire' is guaranteed to grip you from start to finish.

Set in 1950s New Orleans, the highly pretentious Miss Blanche Dubois visits her sister and brother-in-law, Stella and Stanley Kowalski. Blanche, "virtuous", sensitive and 'moth-like' is a cultured antithesis of Stanley with his overt sensuality and primal behaviour, providing the audience with a wonderful drama of emotions.

Williams cleverly unravels Blanche's shocking history through Stanley, whose determined investigations reveal her past mistakes from her inability to receive closure from her young husband's death. The delightful use of explicit and precise stage directions results in a fantastic array of tension-building music, dramatic irony and intricately inter-woven symbolism.

The eleven scenes span over a long period of time, condensing the play into major dramatic events which intensify the emotions of both the characters and the audience. This is futher affirmed by the small set - the tiny apartment bespeaks confinement, accentuating the emotional density and the power and menace of Stanley's physical presence.

As the loss of literature, language, music and culture (everything that Blanche epitomises) is replaced with desire and lust, Blanche slowly 'fades' into her illusions; unable to cope with a changing world and ultimately losing her grip on sanity altogether.

Peter Shaffer wrote of Williams: "He could not write a dull scene." I could not agree more; 'A Streetcar Named Desire' is rightfully one of the best pieces of modern American literature as it will undoubtably be remembered, discussed and enjoyed for years to come.

Emma Stimson, A-level student.

Moving stuff, 28 Oct 2007
I studied the play, 'A streetcar named Desire' for A level and found it to be devastatingly truthful about human nature. It shows the profound effect that desire and the need to feel desirable can have.
One of the main characters, 'Stanley' is one of those men that women hate to love, yet feel instictively drawn to, he's strong, masculine and sexy, yet at the same time he is overly opinionated, violent and dominating.
Not the kind of man you 'should' be attracted to, yet so many women find themselves in the position that they are! Why is this? Williams explores the complexities of issues such as this. Loved it!


Entertainingly Educational!, 02 Aug 2002
This book provides readers with a very accessible introduction to the works of Tennessee Williams. Not only does it include the very well know plays "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "The Glass Menagerie" but also "Sweet Bird of Youth" and "A play of four parts".
The fact that there are four plays means that the reader can gain not only a knowledge of the individual plays, but also a feel for Williams' style of writing. This makes it an indispensible tool for anybody studying Tennessee Williams' work as part of their studies or indeed recreationally.

A good feature of the book is the way it introduces each play to the reader. By including detailed forewards and background information (including details of the authors personal life at the time of writing) the first reading of the play becomes much more rewarding.

The plays themselves are entertaining and insightful. In Each play Williams' tells a story of seemingly ordinary folk, and then introduces the reader/audience to whats going on in their minds. By the clever use of different stage techniques and sharp observations Tennessee Williams presents us with a collection of wonderfully enjoyable and atmostpheric plays. Very highly recommended.

Essential, 04 Sep 2008
Really great book that can be used throughout A level study or as a last minute revision guide.

This would be a good investment, 23 Mar 2004
I'm studying Hamlet at the moment and due to the nature of Shakespeare's over descriptive and complicated yet beautiful language, it's quite hard to follow and concentrate upon the plot. Though when I got this guide, I easily grasped what was happening and was able to concentrate more on the themes and language etc which you have to comment on in exams. It is helpful and gives lots of hints and info into what you're supposed to be focusing on in the scenes. It gives you ideas and pushes you in the right direction if you are struggling. It even has a glossary to simplify meanings and words. A more thorough understanding can be made from Hamlet and in the end you'll wonder why you didn't get this sooner. For five pounds, it's worth it, if you get an 'a' in your exams.

Getting to the Heart of Hamlet?, 23 Feb 2004
This is one of the most thorough study guides on the market, not likely to confuse anyone and particularly well informed on the latest developments in critical approaches to the play though never too dense for the average school student to digest. The scene summaries and commentaries are models of clarity and precision whilst the textual analyses are searching, provocative and incisive. There is an excellent bibliography and useful pointers to websites, films and theatrical tradition. An invaluable introduction to advanced studies and a handy revision tool for teachers pressurised to work on the play at short notice!

Nice clear summary of the action, 15 Apr 2002
The best aspect of this guide to Hamlet is the careful scene-by-scene summary of the action. The plot seems not so tricky to follow, after all. It's also good to be reminded of the significant differences between the quarto and folio versions of the play. Perhaps the authors should have devoted a bit more space to the really big issue raised by the play: the intermingling of good and evil in human existence. The assessment of Ophelia's character is strangely thin, as well. But it's very helpful, all in all.

A difficult task, 10 Apr 2000
To make an "informative" notebook on such a vast and complicated work, will never be easy. There are simply too many interpretative opportunities. But York Notes list up most of the basics, in a comprehensive manner.

Absolutely phenominal!, 08 Nov 2008
This is absolutely amazing!
I've always considered myself as a "sensible Audiophile", in the sense that I wouldn't class the most expensive equipment as being the best by any means.
This just proves this. It proves it so well.

I have Rockbox installed on my iPod, listening to a HD Audio File (FLAC, not ALAC). This is phenominal. I can hear so clearly, the vocals, the instrumentals.. It's just mind boggling.
For the price, I would highly recommend this, words just cannot explain the sheer ecstacy my ears are recieving at this moment.

KOSS PORTAPRO, 02 Nov 2008
I have just bought the Koss Portapro headphones and am amaxed at the quality. While the bass doesn't give the stomach-churning bass of my Stax Electrostatics, these phones give excellent quality at a fraction of the cost.
Chris

GOOD FOR QUIET PLACES NOT NOISY ONES., 13 Oct 2008
These headphones are a testimony that not all things from the 80s are dead. They pump out very good, crispy clear music, they are very comfortable with a unique system that takes the pressure off your temple. The style will not be to everybody's liking for myself i don't worry too much about what others may say.
Now the negative. They is a big amount of sound leakage if you use them on the street or on the bus you will be sharing your music with everyone around you. I used them with the 1st generation ipod touch and they don't work well one needs to increase the sound to roughly 90% to really hear it and the outside noise intrusion does not help. I think you need a source with a powerful output. I think that they are more suitable for indoor use, i am moving to the skullcandy hesh but will still use the porta pro on my laptop.

Excellent for the Money!, 10 Oct 2008
These headphones really have to be heard to be believed. I cant believe the sound quality on such inexpensive phones. If you can live with the retro look these really are a must buy. They even come with a handy pouch to store them in when not in use.
Highly Recommend 5 Stars!

if you love heavy beats you'll love this one, 06 Oct 2008
ok, skip the all good nice bass spendid sound quality crispy clear tone etc., cause' we all know it's true! But I would say to a point, you might find the bass too heavy, a bit unbearable. For rock pop metallic lovers porta pro is GOLD, but if you're a classic, Opera, soprano fan who demands more on higher tones, porta pro is acceptable but I would get something else better if I were you.

Brilliant!, 18 Aug 2006
This study guide weas invaluable to me when I was Doing Othello for my A.S levels as my techer was rubbish. thanks to this book though, it really clarified every aspect of the play for me. I definately would have been lost without it. So if you find Shakespeare a bit difficult to understand, getting this study guide (and those of the other plays) would deffinately be a great help to you.

The best study notes around, 22 Nov 2005
Designed for 'A' level students within the UK, these York Notes begin with a brief, but vital piece of advice on how to study a play - what to look for and why. A short introduction to 'Othello' is followed by extensive notes on the play, scene by scene, with further extended commentaries on problematic scenes. There is extensive character analysis of the leading actors, notes on the play's language, imagery, and themes, and a short biography of Shakespeare and exploration of his world. Altogether this is an excellent package.

York Notes provide the best available study guide - sophisticated commentary and analysis, yet accessible and readily comprehensible. However, don't assume it's going to give you pre-packaged answers you can reproduce under exam conditions and, especially, assume that reading the notes will obviate the need to study the play in detail. Read the play thoroughly, read it often, and try to watch a live or recorded production of 'Othello'.

A good study guide stimulates your understanding and makes the play easier to comprehend. It's worth collaborating with your fellow students - buy two or three different sets of study notes between you, share them around, and use them to get a broader perspective (have a look at, say Letts, and Spark Notes). Use the notes dynamically, don't just passively try to memorise them.

York Notes on Shakespeare's "Othello", 04 Jun 2005
A Level English Literiture isn't quite the walkover expected, and although it was plain sailing through the modern texts such as "The Handmaids Tale" and "The Worlds Wife", I came to abrupt block when I was given any texts featuring words such as "thee", "thy" "thence" and "how now"... otherwise known as pre-20th Century texts.
And so when Shakespeare landed on my desk last September, I cannot be blamed for breaking out into a cold sweat and feeling a big ball of dread in my gut and we opened up the play to Act 1, Scene 1.
But there was a light at the end of this dark tunnel. York Notes. I don't rate revision guides much, but York Notes saved me from failer for this module. It's clear and conscice, which is an immediate improvement on my Lit Teacher, and it is also organised into clear sections so you know what you are learning. The scene synopsis' were essential for me in learning to understand the play, and the analysis of LSF in later chapters was the perfect accompanyment to successful revsion.
What I also found a blessing was the guide highlighted key quotes, which made my revision ten-times simpler, and it also pre-analysed my quotes for me, so I didn't have to do the gruling task myself, all I had to do is memorize them!
And the Notes helped, I failed my mocks for this exam, and then after some good hard work on revision, I walked away from my exam with a happy A!
YORK NOTES ARE ESSENTIAL READING FOR LITERITURE STUDENTS!
10/10 - and york notes are avalible to accompany most books at GCSE and As/A2 Level, so have a bit of a search for other titles, they are not always simple to find on here, so try going to Waterstones where they sit together on the shelf!

Must have, 27 Jun 2004
This book help me greatly in my a level revision it gave excellent idea's and opinions which i had not heard of before and gave me a new perspetive on the play

Best Revision Guide, 08 Apr 2004
All I can say is that if you're studying A-level Othello, this is the book to have. Its informative, detailed, and brings up many good points which you'd otherwise not think of. A definate buy for those who wish to succeed in their exams.

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told, 20 May 2008
This work needs no introduction. Two star crossed lovers, divided by family feud, united by love, can ultimately only be together in death. The word "tragedy" was coined for it.

It is my favourite of Shakespeare's plays and is the original and best. There is nothing wrong with West Side Story or Shakespeare in Love or even William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet starring Leonardo di Caprio, but the pure essence of the Bard's poetry is here, in the original.

If it doesn't make you cry you have a heart of stone!

Unbeatable..., 25 Jan 2006
Everyone, but everyone has heard of this play if not read it. Even the Beckhams, aliterate as they seem, saw fit to give the bard a nod by naming one of their brats after the hero of one of Shakespeare's finest plays.

I recently re-read 'Romeo and Juliet' after completing a degree in English. Full of arrogence and the pretension of literary criticism I was sure that 'Hamlet', 'King Lear' and 'Othello' were the finest plays of Shakespeare. That has all changed again now. I had forgotten how sharp and darkly witty this play was and how easy it was to become so emotionally attached to the characters. This is never more so apparent than at the tragic climax of the play that leaves you with the bitter-sweet feeling that you have just experienced one of the finest worls of fiction coupled with the ironic sacrifice of the two most famous characters in history. How can you not love this play?

The perfect love tradgedy, 20 Feb 2004
Quite simply, you need this in your collection. Some of the most quotable (and misquoted) work ever produced. The story is well known to all, but the lyrical qualities only come through when you read this remarkable piece. If you want all the analysis surrounding it, then this is not the version for you (try Arden) but if you want the words - which are enough in themselves - then this is a well priced essential.

A "nine year old" enjoying Shakespeare, 16 Mar 2002
This edition provides an easy way of introducing youngsters into the world of the classics in a small paperback, we have played the parts! and it's amazing how they enjoy and understand.

A beautiful story of two star cross'd lovers..., 30 Apr 2000
This is the most beautiful, love story in the world. The ending (even though it is tear jerking) makes it all the more beautiful and magical.

Really boring, 27 Apr 2008
This book is incredibly boring.

This Shakespeare guy is way over-rated.

it is written in old English so you need an other book to simply translate it's text. In this day and age you would be insane to read this for fun. Rent a blu-ray disc or go to the cinema or something.

On the other hand if you are doing it for school then I guess you have to buy it.

Prompted by prophecies, 12 Apr 2007
The only Shakespearean tragedy that has a villain as its hero, Macbeth presents a stark and disturbing view of the psychology of wickedness and guilt.
Prompted by the prophecies of three mysterious witches and goaded by his ambitious wife, the Scottish thane Macbeth murders Duncan, King of Scotland, in order to succeed him on the throne. This foul deed soon entangles the conscience-stricken nobleman in a web of treachery, deceit and more murders that ultimately spells his doom.

Happy birthday ' Macbeth', 25 May 2006
How many modern plays do you think will still be gripping audiences and in regular performance to full houses four hundred years after they were written?

Why is this play so great? Written by a genius every word, every phrase, builds together to create the drama and tension of a man and his wife whose lives and country are torn apart by unlimited ambition. This could be the plot of a 21st century blockbuster film, but it isn't. On the other hand, wait a few weeks and undoubtedly it will be!

The skill of Shakespeare is to make us simultaneously love and loathe our two chief characters - to want them to be punished for their crimes whilst sympathising with their suffering. By the end of the play you don't know whether to laugh or cry for them. Once you've read it make sure you go and see it live in the theatre and experience the magic.

This is a cheap and cheerful copy of the play - good enough to write notes all over if you are a student, practical enough to keep on the shelf for reference if you are a Shakespeare addict. For this give away price how can you not have one of these on your shelf?

Shakespeare's Best?, 05 May 2005
There is no doubt about what Shakespeare's best plays are; namely the 7 tragedies written between 1599 and 1608 (Antony and Cleopatra, Hamlet, Julius Caesar, King Lear, Macbeth, Othello and Titus Andronicus).

But why say that Macbeth is perhaps the best one?
There has been a lot of pointless and fun debate about what Shakespeare's best play might be and there will be even more debate about in the future.
But why not say that Hamlet the best is or Othello, King Lear like most people do say?

Well for 2 reasons:

Best complex villain: Shakespeare has tried trough out his whole carrier to create his perfect image of a villain. To take a historical figure which does seem almost pure evil and portray him such a way that his actions will look almost justified. So that the audience will be able to sympathize and understand a person which they normally would condemn him as being as terrible and say that his actions could not have any reasonable justification. And together whit Brutus in Julius Caesar Shakespeare does succeed best in this whit Macbeth. Macbeth might have been in realty a terrible man, but here he is shown as a innocent good men who got messed up almost by accident in the middle of the events that take place and Lady Macbeth is portrayed as the real villain.

A amazing prophesy factor: A lot of Shakespeare's play have that what I will call here the prophesy factor. A lot of his characters which are going straight towards their damnation. Often get to know about their future damnation. Very common in plays of his time. In Macbeth this is shown very beautiful how a man aware of how he will come to his end goes still straight towards it unable to avoid it.

Look also out for the part in the ending whit "the man born not out of a womb".

If you decide to pick up a copy of Macbeth or are about to go and view a production of it, I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Shakespeare's Best?, 05 May 2005
There is no doubt about what Shakespeare's best plays are; namely the 7 tragedies written between 1599 and 1608 (Antony and Cleopatra, Hamlet, Julius Caesar, King Lear, Macbeth, Othello and Titus Andronicus).

But why say that Macbeth is perhaps the best one?
There has been a lot of pointless and fun debate about what Shakespeare's best play might be and there will be even more debate about in the future.
But why not say that Hamlet the best is or Othello, King Lear like most people do say?

Well for 2 reasons:

Best complex villain: Shakespeare has tried trough out his whole carrier to create his perfect image of a villain. To take a historical figure which does seem almost pure evil and portray him such a way that his actions will look almost justified. So that the audience will be able to sympathize and understand a person which they normally would condemn him as being as terrible and say that his actions could not have any reasonable justification. And together whit Brutus in Julius Caesar Shakespeare does succeed best in this whit Macbeth. Macbeth might have been in realty a terrible man, but here he is shown as a innocent good men who got messed up almost by accident in the middle of the events that take place and Lady Macbeth is portrayed as the real villain.

A amazing prophesy factor: A lot of Shakespeare's play have that what I will call here the prophesy factor. A lot of his characters which are going straight towards their damnation. Often get to know about their future damnation. Very common in plays of his time. In Macbeth this is shown very beautiful how a man aware of how he will come to his end goes still straight towards it unable to avoid it.

Look also out for the part in the ending whit "the man born not out of a womb".

If you decide to pick up a copy of Macbeth or are about to go and view a production of it, I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Fantastic., 08 Jan 2008
Arguably Tennessee Williams' best loved and most popular play, 'A Streetcar Named Desire' is guaranteed to grip you from start to finish.

Set in 1950s New Orleans, the highly pretentious Miss Blanche Dubois visits her sister and brother-in-law, Stella and Stanley Kowalski. Blanche, "virtuous", sensitive and 'moth-like' is a cultured antithesis of Stanley with his overt sensuality and primal behaviour, providing the audience with a wonderful drama of emotions.

Williams cleverly unravels Blanche's shocking history through Stanley, whose determined investigations reveal her past mistakes from her inability to receive closure from her young husband's death. The delightful use of explicit and precise stage directions results in a fantastic array of tension-building music, dramatic irony and intricately inter-woven symbolism.

The eleven scenes span over a long period of time, condensing the play into major dramatic events which intensify the emotions of both the characters and the audience. This is futher affirmed by the small set - the tiny apartment bespeaks confinement, accentuating the emotional density and the power and menace of Stanley's physical presence.

As the loss of literature, language, music and culture (everything that Blanche epitomises) is replaced with desire and lust, Blanche slowly 'fades' into her illusions; unable to cope with a changing world and ultimately losing her grip on sanity altogether.

Peter Shaffer wrote of Williams: "He could not write a dull scene." I could not agree more; 'A Streetcar Named Desire' is rightfully one of the best pieces of modern American literature as it will undoubtably be remembered, discussed and enjoyed for years to come.

Emma Stimson, A-level student.

Moving stuff, 28 Oct 2007
I studied the play, 'A streetcar named Desire' for A level and found it to be devastatingly truthful about human nature. It shows the profound effect that desire and the need to feel desirable can have.
One of the main characters, 'Stanley' is one of those men that women hate to love, yet feel instictively drawn to, he's strong, masculine and sexy, yet at the same time he is overly opinionated, violent and dominating.
Not the kind of man you 'should' be attracted to, yet so many women find themselves in the position that they are! Why is this? Williams explores the complexities of issues such as this. Loved it!


Entertainingly Educational!, 02 Aug 2002
This book provides readers with a very accessible introduction to the works of Tennessee Williams. Not only does it include the very well know plays "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "The Glass Menagerie" but also "Sweet Bird of Youth" and "A play of four parts".
The fact that there are four plays means that the reader can gain not only a knowledge of the individual plays, but also a feel for Williams' style of writing. This makes it an indispensible tool for anybody studying Tennessee Williams' work as part of their studies or indeed recreationally.

A good feature of the book is the way it introduces each play to the reader. By including detailed forewards and background information (including details of the authors personal life at the time of writing) the first reading of the play becomes much more rewarding.

The plays themselves are entertaining and insightful. In Each play Williams' tells a story of seemingly ordinary folk, and then introduces the reader/audience to whats going on in their minds. By the clever use of different stage techniques and sharp observations Tennessee Williams presents us with a collection of wonderfully enjoyable and atmostpheric plays. Very highly recommended.

Great, but flawed, 11 Oct 2008
I don't want to rain on the parade, but, while this is a truly great book because of its content, the production of the book is flawed enough to be problematic. The paper is much too thin, making it hard, at times, to read the text. This is especially difficult for the introductory essays, which run across the entire page width. (The text of the plays themselves is in single columns, not double, as often in complete Shakespeare editions.) So if you buy this sight unseen, as I did, be aware that your reading experience may not be optimal.

A beautiful book, 15 Sep 2008
This is a gorgeous book to hold. The print quality is just right, and the all time master of the English language shines through. The footnotes don't alway's hit the right balance, between excess and shortage, but are never intrusive. It is still amazing to me that this man, from so long ago, in such a different age and circumstance, without the advantages we enjoy, should still stand unparalleled as the greatest writer in English with depth, insight and poetry dripping constantly from the mouths of his dramatic creations. If you baulk at the price, by all means enjoy a cheaper copy, there'll be some in your nearby charity shop, but this edition is well worth it to me.

All the world and more is here, 19 Aug 2008
In his foreword to this magnificent edition, Michael Boyd reminds us that Shakespeare's plays were originally scripts for companies of actors and "not written as literature" to be read in an armchair at home. Performance is what matters, and the reading of the text is always going to be an incomplete experience in comparison. So why bother? For me, that incompleteness is still going to be more rewarding than reading most books ever published, but the real payoff comes next time I see the play performed, when I'm that little bit more prepared, that little bit less confused by the language, and that little bit more ready to appreciate a great performance, whether it's by a star actor on a national stage or a complete unknown at a fringe venue. This edition works in so many ways to make our experience of Shakespeare more complete.

The General Introduction by Jonathan Bate covers a lot of familiar territory - Shakespeare's life in Stratford, his early reputation as the "upstart crow", his rise to preeminence as scriptwriter for and shareholder in the Lord Chamberlain's Men, and so on, and the problem for any writer on Shakespeare is how to stitch our patchwork knowledge into a finer garment, how to find a new angle without resorting to arcane questions that are of scholarly interest only. Bate's command of the material and his choice of detail, his straightforward style that never fakes meaning with jargon, and the consistent perspective that emphasizes performance, all work towards opening up these million or so words. There is a refreshing emphasis on just how much we do know, contradicting the common view trotted out even in the RSC's own programmes that "very little is known" of his life. Bate acknowledges that we "will never know what drove his ambition" but Shakespeare is far from being the cipher so beloved of anti-Stratfordians.

The brief introductory essays to each play continue in this elegant way by avoiding stale opinion on the one hand and abstruse academic innovation on the other. They are a model of clarity and lucidity, as though he instinctively realizes that since reading the plays itself involves dealing with multiply-layered words he won't add to your burden. Much Ado, for example, begins "with the end of a war" and moves from combat t