SHAKESPEARE'S RESTLESS WORLD

The director of the British Museum examines history through particular objects. His earlier work was A HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN 100 OBJECTS. Now in 20 segments, each under 15 minutes, he turns to Shakespeare's time, shedding light on the period and the plays and showing that Shakespeare's references were often cutting-edge. MacGregor is an enjoyable narrator His enunciation is very British and almost too precise; his voice, somewhat scratchy and querulous sounding but not unpleasant. Both fit his somewhat waspish manner and observations. He's lively, intelligent, and unstuffy. Other experts weigh in as well, and actors deliver pertinent quotes from the plays. The topics and history are interesting, and their application to the plays is rewarding. The whole is an enlightening pleasure. W.M. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2013]