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.

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.

Highly recommended, 29 Jul 2008
I used this for my GCSE english and found it very useful. The layout is very easy to use and navigate and makes learning this novel much easier. It is set out neatly and I thought that it was really interesting. I found that if i used them in conjunction with my school notes I had pretty much all the information that I could possibly need. Over the years I know many people who have used this book and there has only been good reviews. I highly recommend it.

Amazing, 04 Jun 2008
you do not even have to read the original book this book tells you all the plot themes and almost everything. to conclude i feel i could of read this book and not turned up to 10 english lessons

fantastic!, 04 Nov 2007
this really helps for your revision! it mas every detail you will need- down the a map of the farm and notes on the background of the great depression! there are character notes and easy to use! it has everything u need to revise in a small book! a MUST for revision

A great guide, 01 Dec 2004
This really is a great guide not just for GCSE students like myself, but anyone who enjoyed the book and wants to think more about it. A simple and easy to understand explanation of some of the more complex issues and ideas raised in the book. A real help with exams and with generally understanding and enjoying the book more.

Of Mice and Men - GSCE York Notes Guide, 19 Jun 2004
Ok, so when i first looked at my coursework title my mind was sent into a swirl on where it was i was suppose to start. You know the feeling, you've probaly got pages and pages of notes, or nothing at all. These guides i found to cover most of what was needed in my exam and coursework piece. By far the best study guides around. The language used is undastandable, it's cut up into clear, obvious sections, and they come up with them vital pieces of info needed to recieve them top grades.

Of Mice and Men is an extremely deep and meaningful book, it's full of morals and steriotypes, which are protrayed quite simply in the book, yet it's possible to miss them. York notes picked up on EVERYTHING important in the book. From the lonleness of Crooks, Lennie and Curly's Wife, to revenge seeking Curly, and the simple minded Lennie. The book starts off my setting the scene, you get a picture of why the things in this books happened, mostly because of societies downfalls at the time, remember the book is written around the Great Depression.

And ok, i know what you grade A students are thinking, you probaly wrekon your way to good at English to need these books. But i was a grade A student, and these books really helped me to achieve exceptional pieces of work and A* Grades. So swallow your pride and get one!

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.

Highly recommended, 29 Jul 2008
I used this for my GCSE english and found it very useful. The layout is very easy to use and navigate and makes learning this novel much easier. It is set out neatly and I thought that it was really interesting. I found that if i used them in conjunction with my school notes I had pretty much all the information that I could possibly need. Over the years I know many people who have used this book and there has only been good reviews. I highly recommend it.

Amazing, 04 Jun 2008
you do not even have to read the original book this book tells you all the plot themes and almost everything. to conclude i feel i could of read this book and not turned up to 10 english lessons

fantastic!, 04 Nov 2007
this really helps for your revision! it mas every detail you will need- down the a map of the farm and notes on the background of the great depression! there are character notes and easy to use! it has everything u need to revise in a small book! a MUST for revision

A great guide, 01 Dec 2004
This really is a great guide not just for GCSE students like myself, but anyone who enjoyed the book and wants to think more about it. A simple and easy to understand explanation of some of the more complex issues and ideas raised in the book. A real help with exams and with generally understanding and enjoying the book more.

Of Mice and Men - GSCE York Notes Guide, 19 Jun 2004
Ok, so when i first looked at my coursework title my mind was sent into a swirl on where it was i was suppose to start. You know the feeling, you've probaly got pages and pages of notes, or nothing at all. These guides i found to cover most of what was needed in my exam and coursework piece. By far the best study guides around. The language used is undastandable, it's cut up into clear, obvious sections, and they come up with them vital pieces of info needed to recieve them top grades.

Of Mice and Men is an extremely deep and meaningful book, it's full of morals and steriotypes, which are protrayed quite simply in the book, yet it's possible to miss them. York notes picked up on EVERYTHING important in the book. From the lonleness of Crooks, Lennie and Curly's Wife, to revenge seeking Curly, and the simple minded Lennie. The book starts off my setting the scene, you get a picture of why the things in this books happened, mostly because of societies downfalls at the time, remember the book is written around the Great Depression.

And ok, i know what you grade A students are thinking, you probaly wrekon your way to good at English to need these books. But i was a grade A student, and these books really helped me to achieve exceptional pieces of work and A* Grades. So swallow your pride and get one!

If you're doing A Level English these are the best, 25 Feb 2008
Barcode: 9780582823105

So, like most people, i used CGP notes while doing my GCSE's and found them mostly good (especially on the poem anthologies) - the humour though, while sometimes fun on many occasions got in the way of serious learning and the notes were brief when dealing with full length plays and novels.

Step in York Notes. For my A Level English i got one of these books for each of my set texts and they were massively helpful in prompting class discussions, writing essays and revising for the exams. They offer detailed chapter summaries and analyse them in an extremely informative way.

There's quotes too, maybe a little too few, but the ones they pick out are good and then at the end of the book you get a wealth of extra info relating to characters, themes and symbolism. If you're an A Level English student or a parent who wants their kids to do well, i'd get these notes - they make your life a lot, lot easier.

Lacking in detail, 28 Jan 2008
The book gives an acceptable brief summation of each chapter; however, advanced analysis is quite limited, and bizzarely, only the even chapters are analysed. In all, it is quite a poor resource for more advanced study.

The Great Gatsby, 05 Mar 2006
When I first start reading chapter one and two I wanted to give up reading the book because I couldn¡¯t understand what the author was talking about. When he said ¡°Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,¡± he told me, ¡°just remember that all the people in this world haven¡¯t had the advantages that you¡¯ve had¡± and ¡°In consequence, I¡¯m inclined to reserve all judgments, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and also made me the victim of not a few veteran bores.¡± I didn¡¯t understand it until later. It means that it¡¯s not wise to judge people by the looks because sometimes you might misunderstand that person and create some problems. However, I think the story was mainly about how wealth, popularity, love, loss, betrayal and emptiness. The whole story is kind of depressing because two characters dies and Daisy betray Gatsby again when she ran over Myrtle. Everyone¡¯s life is depended on money but nothing else. People tend to care about money than the social problems between groups of people. There is a social problem that caused through many years. People divide themselves in to three groups, high class, Midd class and low class. If you¡¯re not very wealthy, people would just ignore you but when your fairly rich people would remember your name. If your like some millinery person than you become famous. Someone of the chapters¡¯ mood changes by the weather. For example, when Nick invites Daisy to his house and have cup of tea, Gatsby feels all nervous which then the weather changes to cloudy and rainy but when Gatsby was satisfied the weather becomes sunny. Even though it¡¯s depressing I would recommend other people to read it, which that is who haven¡¯t read this book yet. How the author describes things are great, you can feel what the author is going through. It feels like you were there in the past.

A good reference book, 06 Jan 2005
I used the York Notes Advanced on F.Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" whilst studying my AS levels, and whilst I found it useful for glossing over some of the easy issues, I didn't feel it went into enough depth in some areas. However, I find York Notes Advanced to be one of the best reference books around and would recommend getting one for any book you may study.

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.

Highly recommended, 29 Jul 2008
I used this for my GCSE english and found it very useful. The layout is very easy to use and navigate and makes learning this novel much easier. It is set out neatly and I thought that it was really interesting. I found that if i used them in conjunction with my school notes I had pretty much all the information that I could possibly need. Over the years I know many people who have used this book and there has only been good reviews. I highly recommend it.

Amazing, 04 Jun 2008
you do not even have to read the original book this book tells you all the plot themes and almost everything. to conclude i feel i could of read this book and not turned up to 10 english lessons

fantastic!, 04 Nov 2007
this really helps for your revision! it mas every detail you will need- down the a map of the farm and notes on the background of the great depression! there are character notes and easy to use! it has everything u need to revise in a small book! a MUST for revision

A great guide, 01 Dec 2004
This really is a great guide not just for GCSE students like myself, but anyone who enjoyed the book and wants to think more about it. A simple and easy to understand explanation of some of the more complex issues and ideas raised in the book. A real help with exams and with generally understanding and enjoying the book more.

Of Mice and Men - GSCE York Notes Guide, 19 Jun 2004
Ok, so when i first looked at my coursework title my mind was sent into a swirl on where it was i was suppose to start. You know the feeling, you've probaly got pages and pages of notes, or nothing at all. These guides i found to cover most of what was needed in my exam and coursework piece. By far the best study guides around. The language used is undastandable, it's cut up into clear, obvious sections, and they come up with them vital pieces of info needed to recieve them top grades.

Of Mice and Men is an extremely deep and meaningful book, it's full of morals and steriotypes, which are protrayed quite simply in the book, yet it's possible to miss them. York notes picked up on EVERYTHING important in the book. From the lonleness of Crooks, Lennie and Curly's Wife, to revenge seeking Curly, and the simple minded Lennie. The book starts off my setting the scene, you get a picture of why the things in this books happened, mostly because of societies downfalls at the time, remember the book is written around the Great Depression.

And ok, i know what you grade A students are thinking, you probaly wrekon your way to good at English to need these books. But i was a grade A student, and these books really helped me to achieve exceptional pieces of work and A* Grades. So swallow your pride and get one!

If you're doing A Level English these are the best, 25 Feb 2008
Barcode: 9780582823105

So, like most people, i used CGP notes while doing my GCSE's and found them mostly good (especially on the poem anthologies) - the humour though, while sometimes fun on many occasions got in the way of serious learning and the notes were brief when dealing with full length plays and novels.

Step in York Notes. For my A Level English i got one of these books for each of my set texts and they were massively helpful in prompting class discussions, writing essays and revising for the exams. They offer detailed chapter summaries and analyse them in an extremely informative way.

There's quotes too, maybe a little too few, but the ones they pick out are good and then at the end of the book you get a wealth of extra info relating to characters, themes and symbolism. If you're an A Level English student or a parent who wants their kids to do well, i'd get these notes - they make your life a lot, lot easier.

Lacking in detail, 28 Jan 2008
The book gives an acceptable brief summation of each chapter; however, advanced analysis is quite limited, and bizzarely, only the even chapters are analysed. In all, it is quite a poor resource for more advanced study.

The Great Gatsby, 05 Mar 2006
When I first start reading chapter one and two I wanted to give up reading the book because I couldn¡¯t understand what the author was talking about. When he said ¡°Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,¡± he told me, ¡°just remember that all the people in this world haven¡¯t had the advantages that you¡¯ve had¡± and ¡°In consequence, I¡¯m inclined to reserve all judgments, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and also made me the victim of not a few veteran bores.¡± I didn¡¯t understand it until later. It means that it¡¯s not wise to judge people by the looks because sometimes you might misunderstand that person and create some problems. However, I think the story was mainly about how wealth, popularity, love, loss, betrayal and emptiness. The whole story is kind of depressing because two characters dies and Daisy betray Gatsby again when she ran over Myrtle. Everyone¡¯s life is depended on money but nothing else. People tend to care about money than the social problems between groups of people. There is a social problem that caused through many years. People divide themselves in to three groups, high class, Midd class and low class. If you¡¯re not very wealthy, people would just ignore you but when your fairly rich people would remember your name. If your like some millinery person than you become famous. Someone of the chapters¡¯ mood changes by the weather. For example, when Nick invites Daisy to his house and have cup of tea, Gatsby feels all nervous which then the weather changes to cloudy and rainy but when Gatsby was satisfied the weather becomes sunny. Even though it¡¯s depressing I would recommend other people to read it, which that is who haven¡¯t read this book yet. How the author describes things are great, you can feel what the author is going through. It feels like you were there in the past.

A good reference book, 06 Jan 2005
I used the York Notes Advanced on F.Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" whilst studying my AS levels, and whilst I found it useful for glossing over some of the easy issues, I didn't feel it went into enough depth in some areas. However, I find York Notes Advanced to be one of the best reference books around and would recommend getting one for any book you may study.

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.

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.

Highly recommended, 29 Jul 2008
I used this for my GCSE english and found it very useful. The layout is very easy to use and navigate and makes learning this novel much easier. It is set out neatly and I thought that it was really interesting. I found that if i used them in conjunction with my school notes I had pretty much all the information that I could possibly need. Over the years I know many people who have used this book and there has only been good reviews. I highly recommend it.

Amazing, 04 Jun 2008
you do not even have to read the original book this book tells you all the plot themes and almost everything. to conclude i feel i could of read this book and not turned up to 10 english lessons

fantastic!, 04 Nov 2007
this really helps for your revision! it mas every detail you will need- down the a map of the farm and notes on the background of the great depression! there are character notes and easy to use! it has everything u need to revise in a small book! a MUST for revision

A great guide, 01 Dec 2004
This really is a great guide not just for GCSE students like myself, but anyone who enjoyed the book and wants to think more about it. A simple and easy to understand explanation of some of the more complex issues and ideas raised in the book. A real help with exams and with generally understanding and enjoying the book more.

Of Mice and Men - GSCE York Notes Guide, 19 Jun 2004
Ok, so when i first looked at my coursework title my mind was sent into a swirl on where it was i was suppose to start. You know the feeling, you've probaly got pages and pages of notes, or nothing at all. These guides i found to cover most of what was needed in my exam and coursework piece. By far the best study guides around. The language used is undastandable, it's cut up into clear, obvious sections, and they come up with them vital pieces of info needed to recieve them top grades.

Of Mice and Men is an extremely deep and meaningful book, it's full of morals and steriotypes, which are protrayed quite simply in the book, yet it's possible to miss them. York notes picked up on EVERYTHING important in the book. From the lonleness of Crooks, Lennie and Curly's Wife, to revenge seeking Curly, and the simple minded Lennie. The book starts off my setting the scene, you get a picture of why the things in this books happened, mostly because of societies downfalls at the time, remember the book is written around the Great Depression.

And ok, i know what you grade A students are thinking, you probaly wrekon your way to good at English to need these books. But i was a grade A student, and these books really helped me to achieve exceptional pieces of work and A* Grades. So swallow your pride and get one!

If you're doing A Level English these are the best, 25 Feb 2008
Barcode: 9780582823105

So, like most people, i used CGP notes while doing my GCSE's and found them mostly good (especially on the poem anthologies) - the humour though, while sometimes fun on many occasions got in the way of serious learning and the notes were brief when dealing with full length plays and novels.

Step in York Notes. For my A Level English i got one of these books for each of my set texts and they were massively helpful in prompting class discussions, writing essays and revising for the exams. They offer detailed chapter summaries and analyse them in an extremely informative way.

There's quotes too, maybe a little too few, but the ones they pick out are good and then at the end of the book you get a wealth of extra info relating to characters, themes and symbolism. If you're an A Level English student or a parent who wants their kids to do well, i'd get these notes - they make your life a lot, lot easier.

Lacking in detail, 28 Jan 2008
The book gives an acceptable brief summation of each chapter; however, advanced analysis is quite limited, and bizzarely, only the even chapters are analysed. In all, it is quite a poor resource for more advanced study.

The Great Gatsby, 05 Mar 2006
When I first start reading chapter one and two I wanted to give up reading the book because I couldn¡¯t understand what the author was talking about. When he said ¡°Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,¡± he told me, ¡°just remember that all the people in this world haven¡¯t had the advantages that you¡¯ve had¡± and ¡°In consequence, I¡¯m inclined to reserve all judgments, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and also made me the victim of not a few veteran bores.¡± I didn¡¯t understand it until later. It means that it¡¯s not wise to judge people by the looks because sometimes you might misunderstand that person and create some problems. However, I think the story was mainly about how wealth, popularity, love, loss, betrayal and emptiness. The whole story is kind of depressing because two characters dies and Daisy betray Gatsby again when she ran over Myrtle. Everyone¡¯s life is depended on money but nothing else. People tend to care about money than the social problems between groups of people. There is a social problem that caused through many years. People divide themselves in to three groups, high class, Midd class and low class. If you¡¯re not very wealthy, people would just ignore you but when your fairly rich people would remember your name. If your like some millinery person than you become famous. Someone of the chapters¡¯ mood changes by the weather. For example, when Nick invites Daisy to his house and have cup of tea, Gatsby feels all nervous which then the weather changes to cloudy and rainy but when Gatsby was satisfied the weather becomes sunny. Even though it¡¯s depressing I would recommend other people to read it, which that is who haven¡¯t read this book yet. How the author describes things are great, you can feel what the author is going through. It feels like you were there in the past.

A good reference book, 06 Jan 2005
I used the York Notes Advanced on F.Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" whilst studying my AS levels, and whilst I found it useful for glossing over some of the easy issues, I didn't feel it went into enough depth in some areas. However, I find York Notes Advanced to be one of the best reference books around and would recommend getting one for any book you may study.

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.

Woah, 27 Oct 2007
I was given this study guide to use when revising for my English Litrature GCSE exam.
I found the tips and the generalisation very very useful and the excercises given to complete were of use, unlike some guides that give difficult offputting questions.
The language within the guide is not too simple and not to complex, which makes it an ideal guide as it does not intimidate or put one off revising.
I like the guide's size aswell, as it was easy to store in a small bag meaning that it was always availible for referance if I had a few minutes spare.
I achieved an A grade using this guide in the 2007 GCSE exam, so I would highly reccommend purchasing this guide for the English Lit exam.

A really useful study guide, 06 Apr 2007
As a teacher I have shared this excellent novel with probably thousands of teenagers over the years. I buy all the study guides to check them out for my students. This guide is on the recommended list!

Chapter summaries, character reviews and pointers towards examination questions are all present and thoughtful. This is certainly a useful read for people studying the novel for GCSE.

My only quibble is that perhaps it does not explore themes in sufficient detail for students aiming for the very top grades - but then, to be fair, they probably don't need a guide.

This is certainly very good value for money.

A great classic, 02 Jan 2006
A short but powerful story that will touch even the toughest of hearts.

Compelling, 04 Apr 2005
Of Mice and men is one of the most beautiful stories about friendship. The story is about two Americans. The thoughts and actions of the two southern are made open for the reader to enjoy and judge.

The favorite character in the book is Lenny. He came out in the story as and was innocent person with a mental defect. It reminded me somehow of Dostoyevsky's THE IDIOT. The amazing thing about this book is that not a lot of books are based on such unique characters. Another attractive aspect of Lenny is his physical strength and hardworking nature. Yet, despite his meek nature, he was dangerous in the sense that he even killed a woman out of fear.

Steinbeck successfully created a philosophical twist to life through this story by bringing to life strong but vulnerable characters that we all can relate to.Another story I recommend is DISCIPLES OF FORTUNE, MORTAL FRIENDS.

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.

Highly recommended, 29 Jul 2008
I used this for my GCSE english and found it very useful. The layout is very easy to use and navigate and makes learning this novel much easier. It is set out neatly and I thought that it was really interesting. I found that if i used them in conjunction with my school notes I had pretty much all the information that I could possibly need. Over the years I know many people who have used this book and there has only been good reviews. I highly recommend it.

Amazing, 04 Jun 2008
you do not even have to read the original book this book tells you all the plot themes and almost everything. to conclude i feel i could of read this book and not turned up to 10 english lessons

fantastic!, 04 Nov 2007
this really helps for your revision! it mas every detail you will need- down the a map of the farm and notes on the background of the great depression! there are character notes and easy to use! it has everything u need to revise in a small book! a MUST for revision

A great guide, 01 Dec 2004
This really is a great guide not just for GCSE students like myself, but anyone who enjoyed the book and wants to think more about it. A simple and easy to understand explanation of some of the more complex issues and ideas raised in the book. A real help with exams and with generally understanding and enjoying the book more.

Of Mice and Men - GSCE York Notes Guide, 19 Jun 2004
Ok, so when i first looked at my coursework title my mind was sent into a swirl on where it was i was suppose to start. You know the feeling, you've probaly got pages and pages of notes, or nothing at all. These guides i found to cover most of what was needed in my exam and coursework piece. By far the best study guides around. The language used is undastandable, it's cut up into clear, obvious sections, and they come up with them vital pieces of info needed to recieve them top grades.

Of Mice and Men is an extremely deep and meaningful book, it's full of morals and steriotypes, which are protrayed quite simply in the book, yet it's possible to miss them. York notes picked up on EVERYTHING important in the book. From the lonleness of Crooks, Lennie and Curly's Wife, to revenge seeking Curly, and the simple minded Lennie. The book starts off my setting the scene, you get a picture of why the things in this books happened, mostly because of societies downfalls at the time, remember the book is written around the Great Depression.

And ok, i know what you grade A students are thinking, you probaly wrekon your way to good at English to need these books. But i was a grade A student, and these books really helped me to achieve exceptional pieces of work and A* Grades. So swallow your pride and get one!

If you're doing A Level English these are the best, 25 Feb 2008
Barcode: 9780582823105

So, like most people, i used CGP notes while doing my GCSE's and found them mostly good (especially on the poem anthologies) - the humour though, while sometimes fun on many occasions got in the way of serious learning and the notes were brief when dealing with full length plays and novels.

Step in York Notes. For my A Level English i got one of these books for each of my set texts and they were massively helpful in prompting class discussions, writing essays and revising for the exams. They offer detailed chapter summaries and analyse them in an extremely informative way.

There's quotes too, maybe a little too few, but the ones they pick out are good and then at the end of the book you get a wealth of extra info relating to characters, themes and symbolism. If you're an A Level English student or a parent who wants their kids to do well, i'd get these notes - they make your life a lot, lot easier.

Lacking in detail, 28 Jan 2008
The book gives an acceptable brief summation of each chapter; however, advanced analysis is quite limited, and bizzarely, only the even chapters are analysed. In all, it is quite a poor resource for more advanced study.

The Great Gatsby, 05 Mar 2006
When I first start reading chapter one and two I wanted to give up reading the book because I couldn¡¯t understand what the author was talking about. When he said ¡°Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,¡± he told me, ¡°just remember that all the people in this world haven¡¯t had the advantages that you¡¯ve had¡± and ¡°In consequence, I¡¯m inclined to reserve all judgments, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and also made me the victim of not a few veteran bores.¡± I didn¡¯t understand it until later. It means that it¡¯s not wise to judge people by the looks because sometimes you might misunderstand that person and create some problems. However, I think the story was mainly about how wealth, popularity, love, loss, betrayal and emptiness. The whole story is kind of depressing because two characters dies and Daisy betray Gatsby again when she ran over Myrtle. Everyone¡¯s life is depended on money but nothing else. People tend to care about money than the social problems between groups of people. There is a social problem that caused through many years. People divide themselves in to three groups, high class, Midd class and low class. If you¡¯re not very wealthy, people would just ignore you but when your fairly rich people would remember your name. If your like some millinery person than you become famous. Someone of the chapters¡¯ mood changes by the weather. For example, when Nick invites Daisy to his house and have cup of tea, Gatsby feels all nervous which then the weather changes to cloudy and rainy but when Gatsby was satisfied the weather becomes sunny. Even though it¡¯s depressing I would recommend other people to read it, which that is who haven¡¯t read this book yet. How the author describes things are great, you can feel what the author is going through. It feels like you were there in the past.

A good reference book, 06 Jan 2005
I used the York Notes Advanced on F.Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" whilst studying my AS levels, and whilst I found it useful for glossing over some of the easy issues, I didn't feel it went into enough depth in some areas. However, I find York Notes Advanced to be one of the best reference books around and would recommend getting one for any book you may study.

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.

Woah, 27 Oct 2007
I was given this study guide to use when revising for my English Litrature GCSE exam.
I found the tips and the generalisation very very useful and the excercises given to complete were of use, unlike some guides that give difficult offputting questions.
The language within the guide is not too simple and not to complex, which makes it an ideal guide as it does not intimidate or put one off revising.
I like the guide's size aswell, as it was easy to store in a small bag meaning that it was always availible for referance if I had a few minutes spare.
I achieved an A grade using this guide in the 2007 GCSE exam, so I would highly reccommend purchasing this guide for the English Lit exam.

A really useful study guide, 06 Apr 2007
As a teacher I have shared this excellent novel with probably thousands of teenagers over the years. I buy all the study guides to check them out for my students. This guide is on the recommended list!

Chapter summaries, character reviews and pointers towards examination questions are all present and thoughtful. This is certainly a useful read for people studying the novel for GCSE.

My only quibble is that perhaps it does not explore themes in sufficient detail for students aiming for the very top grades - but then, to be fair, they probably don't need a guide.

This is certainly very good value for money.

A great classic, 02 Jan 2006
A short but powerful story that will touch even the toughest of hearts.

Compelling, 04 Apr 2005
Of Mice and men is one of the most beautiful stories about friendship. The story is about two Americans. The thoughts and actions of the two southern are made open for the reader to enjoy and judge.

The favorite character in the book is Lenny. He came out in the story as and was innocent person with a mental defect. It reminded me somehow of Dostoyevsky's THE IDIOT. The amazing thing about this book is that not a lot of books are based on such unique characters. Another attractive aspect of Lenny is his physical strength and hardworking nature. Yet, despite his meek nature, he was dangerous in the sense that he even killed a woman out of fear.

Steinbeck successfully created a philosophical twist to life through this story by bringing to life strong but vulnerable characters that we all can relate to.Another story I recommend is DISCIPLES OF FORTUNE, MORTAL FRIENDS.

Well written, well laid out and useful, 16 Mar 2008
This book is an excellent introduction to what can be a dense and complex play. It starts with a simple plot outline. It then progresses to more in depth analysis of the play scene by scene. After which it lays out some key themes, symbols and ideas in the play in the forms of mini essays. It has a fairly good glossary, a potted history of Shakespeare himself and how his plays would have appeared. It also has a good time line and chronology, a glossary of common theatrical and critical terms and a good recommended reading list. It is very useful indeed.

Life-saver!, 13 Mar 2008
As a GCSE english student, i didnt get the language used in R&J at first and found the play very hard to read and hard to write an essay on.

This book is a life-saver! It has summaries of each Act as well as character files, clever language and theme ideas (that you are unlikely to find yourself) as well as essay-writing tips. I found the play a lot easier to write about with this book.

Also, it is a good price on here, i paid a fiver for it. What more do you want?!

A fantastic guide to a fantastic play, 08 May 2005
This guide to Romeo and Juliet explains the play in a clear and easily acessible way that makes understanding the play a whole lot easier. With exam tips and in depth as well as summarised explanations it is something you should not be without!

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.

Highly recommended, 29 Jul 2008
I used this for my GCSE english and found it very useful. The layout is very easy to use and navigate and makes learning this novel much easier. It is set out neatly and I thought that it was really interesting. I found that if i used them in conjunction with my school notes I had pretty much all the information that I could possibly need. Over the years I know many people who have used this book and there has only been good reviews. I highly recommend it.

Amazing, 04 Jun 2008
you do not even have to read the original book this book tells you all the plot themes and almost everything. to conclude i feel i could of read this book and not turned up to 10 english lessons

fantastic!, 04 Nov 2007
this really helps for your revision! it mas every detail you will need- down the a map of the farm and notes on the background of the great depression! there are character notes and easy to use! it has everything u need to revise in a small book! a MUST for revision

A great guide, 01 Dec 2004
This really is a great guide not just for GCSE students like myself, but anyone who enjoyed the book and wants to think more about it. A simple and easy to understand explanation of some of the more complex issues and ideas raised in the book. A real help with exams and with generally understanding and enjoying the book more.

Of Mice and Men - GSCE York Notes Guide, 19 Jun 2004
Ok, so when i first looked at my coursework title my mind was sent into a swirl on where it was i was suppose to start. You know the feeling, you've probaly got pages and pages of notes, or nothing at all. These guides i found to cover most of what was needed in my exam and coursework piece. By far the best study guides around. The language used is undastandable, it's cut up into clear, obvious sections, and they come up with them vital pieces of info needed to recieve them top grades.

Of Mice and Men is an extremely deep and meaningful book, it's full of morals and steriotypes, which are protrayed quite simply in the book, yet it's possible to miss them. York notes picked up on EVERYTHING important in the book. From the lonleness of Crooks, Lennie and Curly's Wife, to revenge seeking Curly, and the simple minded Lennie. The book starts off my setting the scene, you get a picture of why the things in this books happened, mostly because of societies downfalls at the time, remember the book is written around the Great Depression.

And ok, i know what you grade A students are thinking, you probaly wrekon your way to good at English to need these books. But i was a grade A student, and these books really helped me to achieve exceptional pieces of work and A* Grades. So swallow your pride and get one!

If you're doing A Level English these are the best, 25 Feb 2008
Barcode: 9780582823105

So, like most people, i used CGP notes while doing my GCSE's and found them mostly good (especially on the poem anthologies) - the humour though, while sometimes fun on many occasions got in the way of serious learning and the notes were brief when dealing with full length plays and novels.

Step in York Notes. For my A Level English i got one of these books for each of my set texts and they were massively helpful in prompting class discussions, writing essays and revising for the exams. They offer detailed chapter summaries and analyse them in an extremely informative way.

There's quotes too, maybe a little too few, but the ones they pick out are good and then at the end of the book you get a wealth of extra info relating to characters, themes and symbolism. If you're an A Level English student or a parent who wants their kids to do well, i'd get these notes - they make your life a lot, lot easier.

Lacking in detail, 28 Jan 2008
The book gives an acceptable brief summation of each chapter; however, advanced analysis is quite limited, and bizzarely, only the even chapters are analysed. In all, it is quite a poor resource for more advanced study.

The Great Gatsby, 05 Mar 2006
When I first start reading chapter one and two I wanted to give up reading the book because I couldn¡¯t understand what the author was talking about. When he said ¡°Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,¡± he told me, ¡°just remember that all the people in this world haven¡¯t had the advantages that you¡¯ve had¡± and ¡°In consequence, I¡¯m inclined to reserve all judgments, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and also made me the victim of not a few veteran bores.¡± I didn¡¯t understand it until later. It means that it¡¯s not wise to judge people by the looks because sometimes you might misunderstand that person and create some problems. However, I think the story was mainly about how wealth, popularity, love, loss, betrayal and emptiness. The whole story is kind of depressing because two characters dies and Daisy betray Gatsby again when she ran over Myrtle. Everyone¡¯s life is depended on money but nothing else. People tend to care about money than the social problems between groups of people. There is a social problem that caused through many years. People divide themselves in to three groups, high class, Midd class and low class. If you¡¯re not very wealthy, people would just ignore you but when your fairly rich people would remember your name. If your like some millinery person than you become famous. Someone of the chapters¡¯ mood changes by the weather. For example, when Nick invites Daisy to his house and have cup of tea, Gatsby feels all nervous which then the weather changes to cloudy and rainy but when Gatsby was satisfied the weather becomes sunny. Even though it¡¯s depressing I would recommend other people to read it, which that is who haven¡¯t read this book yet. How the author describes things are great, you can feel what the author is going through. It feels like you were there in the past.

A good reference book, 06 Jan 2005
I used the York Notes Advanced on F.Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" whilst studying my AS levels, and whilst I found it useful for glossing over some of the easy issues, I didn't feel it went into enough depth in some areas. However, I find York Notes Advanced to be one of the best reference books around and would recommend getting one for any book you may study.

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.

Woah, 27 Oct 2007
I was given this study guide to use when revising for my English Litrature GCSE exam.
I found the tips and the generalisation very very useful and the excercises given to complete were of use, unlike some guides that give difficult offputting questions.
The language within the guide is not too simple and not to complex, which makes it an ideal guide as it does not intimidate or put one off revising.
I like the guide's size aswell, as it was easy to store in a small bag meaning that it was always availible for referance if I had a few minutes spare.
I achieved an A grade using this guide in the 2007 GCSE exam, so I would highly reccommend purchasing this guide for the English Lit exam.

A really useful study guide, 06 Apr 2007
As a teacher I have shared this excellent novel with probably thousands of teenagers over the years. I buy all the study guides to check them out for my students. This guide is on the recommended list!

Chapter summaries, character reviews and pointers towards examination questions are all present and thoughtful. This is certainly a useful read for people studying the novel for GCSE.

My only quibble is that perhaps it does not explore themes in sufficient detail for students aiming for the very top grades - but then, to be fair, they probably don't need a guide.

This is certainly very good value for money.

A great classic, 02 Jan 2006
A short but powerful story that will touch even the toughest of hearts.

Compelling, 04 Apr 2005
Of Mice and men is one of the most beautiful stories about friendship. The story is about two Americans. The thoughts and actions of the two southern are made open for the reader to enjoy and judge.

The favorite character in the book is Lenny. He came out in the story as and was innocent person with a mental defect. It reminded me somehow of Dostoyevsky's THE IDIOT. The amazing thing about this book is that not a lot of books are based on such unique characters. Another attractive aspect of Lenny is his physical strength and hardworking nature. Yet, despite his meek nature, he was dangerous in the sense that he even killed a woman out of fear.

Steinbeck successfully created a philosophical twist to life through this story by bringing to life strong but vulnerable characters that we all can relate to.Another story I recommend is DISCIPLES OF FORTUNE, MORTAL FRIENDS.

Well written, well laid out and useful, 16 Mar 2008
This book is an excellent introduction to what can be a dense and complex play. It starts with a simple plot outline. It then progresses to more in depth analysis of the play scene by scene. After which it lays out some key themes, symbols and ideas in the play in the forms of mini essays. It has a fairly good glossary, a potted history of Shakespeare himself and how his plays would have appeared. It also has a good time line and chronology, a glossary of common theatrical and critical terms and a good recommended reading list. It is very useful indeed.

Life-saver!, 13 Mar 2008
As a GCSE english student, i didnt get the language used in R&J at first and found the play very hard to read and hard to write an essay on.

This book is a life-saver! It has summaries of each Act as well as character files, clever language and theme ideas (that you are unlikely to find yourself) as well as essay-writing tips. I found the play a lot easier to write about with this book.

Also, it is a good price on here, i paid a fiver for it. What more do you want?!

A fantastic guide to a fantastic play, 08 May 2005
This guide to Romeo and Juliet explains the play in a clear and easily acessible way that makes understanding the play a whole lot easier. With exam tips and in depth as well as summarised explanations it is something you should not be without!

Great study tool, 04 Sep 2008
I bought this book to help me with my English GCSE coursework and loved the fact that it was far more advanced than the York Notes intended for GCSE level. Though I only needed a certain section of information for my essay, (regarding my title) this book was very helpful and worth the purchase. Everything is set out clearly in differnet sections and it gives an impressive historical background to the play.
With the help of this book and other sources I managed to not only get an A* on my Death of a Salesman coursework but full marks.

Excellent, 03 Oct 2006
The book contains everything you need to know and you can flick though it to read only the things you wish to know about. For GCSE it goes into more detail than you need to know but if you learn it, an A* is yours. The best notes I could find on it.

PEFECT FOR ANYONE!, 25 Sep 2005
I was looking for a revision book for GCSE that accompanied the play 'Death of a Salesman' but I found that there were not many available. I therefore purchased this instead after it was recommended by a friend! I have never regretted it, it is far better that any GCSE revision book would have ever been! If you are undecided, whether it is for GCSE or anything above, just buy this one! It clearly explains everything and covers every issue. The margin contains handy tips as well as website to visit for more information. Every point is covered by a quote and page numbers are given! A GREAT PURCHASE!

Great Notes, 29 Dec 2004
I actually accidently bought this book i intended to buy one for the GCSE level last year. But when i got the book i realised that it was much much better than the GCSE versions could have been. This book had detailed notes on everything.

It described Linda and and all the others in a way i could never have thought of. It is packed with so much detail and ideas for when you want to write essays in the English exams, that it is definately worth buying it!

Helpful guide to study, 15 Oct 2000
This book is helpful at A-level standard, and details all the symbolism of set as well as all the text which is very good. However, it sometimes makes very obvious points that an average GCSE student would be able to vouch for let alone an a-level student! Worth the buy though...

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.

Highly recommended, 29 Jul 2008
I used this for my GCSE english and found it very useful. The layout is very easy to use and navigate and makes learning this novel much easier. It is set out neatly and I thought that it was really interesting. I found that if i used them in conjunction with my school notes I had pretty much all the information that I could possibly need. Over the years I know many people who have used this book and there has only been good reviews. I highly recommend it.

Amazing, 04 Jun 2008
you do not even have to read the original book this book tells you all the plot themes and almost everything. to conclude i feel i could of read this book and not turned up to 10 english lessons

fantastic!, 04 Nov 2007
this really helps for your revision! it mas every detail you will need- down the a map of the farm and notes on the background of the great depression! there are character notes and easy to use! it has everything u need to revise in a small book! a MUST for revision

A great guide, 01 Dec 2004
This really is a great guide not just for GCSE students like myself, but anyone who enjoyed the book and wants to think more about it. A simple and easy to understand explanation of some of the more complex issues and ideas raised in the book. A real help with exams and with generally understanding and enjoying the book more.

Of Mice and Men - GSCE York Notes Guide, 19 Jun 2004
Ok, so when i first looked at my coursework title my mind was sent into a swirl on where it was i was suppose to start. You know the feeling, you've probaly got pages and pages of notes, or nothing at all. These guides i found to cover most of what was needed in my exam and coursework piece. By far the best study guides around. The language used is undastandable, it's cut up into clear, obvious sections, and they come up with them vital pieces of info needed to recieve them top grades.

Of Mice and Men is an extremely deep and meaningful book, it's full of morals and steriotypes, which are protrayed quite simply in the book, yet it's possible to miss them. York notes picked up on EVERYTHING important in the book. From the lonleness of Crooks, Lennie and Curly's Wife, to revenge seeking Curly, and the simple minded Lennie. The book starts off my setting the scene, you get a picture of why the things in this books happened, mostly because of societies downfalls at the time, remember the book is written around the Great Depression.

And ok, i know what you grade A students are thinking, you probaly wrekon your way to good at English to need these books. But i was a grade A student, and these books really helped me to achieve exceptional pieces of work and A* Grades. So swallow your pride and get one!

If you're doing A Level English these are the best, 25 Feb 2008
Barcode: 9780582823105

So, like most people, i used CGP notes while doing my GCSE's and found them mostly good (especially on the poem anthologies) - the humour though, while sometimes fun on many occasions got in the way of serious learning and the notes were brief when dealing with full length plays and novels.

Step in York Notes. For my A Level English i got one of these books for each of my set texts and they were massively helpful in prompting class discussions, writing essays and revising for the exams. They offer detailed chapter summaries and analyse them in an extremely informative way.

There's quotes too, maybe a little too few, but the ones they pick out are good and then at the end of the book you get a wealth of extra info relating to characters, themes and symbolism. If you're an A Level English student or a parent who wants their kids to do well, i'd get these notes - they make your life a lot, lot easier.

Lacking in detail, 28 Jan 2008
The book gives an acceptable brief summation of each chapter; however, advanced analysis is quite limited, and bizzarely, only the even chapters are analysed. In all, it is quite a poor resource for more advanced study.

The Great Gatsby, 05 Mar 2006
When I first start reading chapter one and two I wanted to give up reading the book because I couldn¡¯t understand what the author was talking about. When he said ¡°Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,¡± he told me, ¡°just remember that all the people in this world haven¡¯t had the advantages that you¡¯ve had¡± and ¡°In consequence, I¡¯m inclined to reserve all judgments, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and also made