Will’s Words: How William Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk

Will’s Words combines history and the history of words and expressions originated by Shakespeare that have seeped into our “household words”.  The history of London in Shakespeare’s time, including the globe, actor, and audience tendencies reside on the left hand side of each spread.  Each of these text sections includes 1-3 phrases or references and on the right hand side, the explanation is given of their origins from plays written by Shakespeare.  Jane Sutcliffe embeds each word or phrase into the story to highlight their usage and the elaborates about the definition of each.  John Shelley’s depiction of the crowded Globe Theater full of audience members waiting “with bated breath” shows the mass of people shoulder to shoulder to take in the great Shakespeare’s latest play.  His cross sectioned illustrations showing the inner workings of the theater from top to bottom helps the reader understand how “special effects” were achieved in the 1600’s.  

Recently, after visiting a holiday shop at school, my daughter gave me a clue (that I did not ask for) about the gift she chose for me.  “It’s fashionable,” she said.  Do you want to know who coined that term?  None other than Shakespeare himself.

Will’s Words is not “too much of a good thing,” but it certainly is a good thing.  “Hurry” to check it out and read to your “heart’s content!”

http://www.janesutcliffe.com/ 

http://www.jshelley.com/

Title: Will’s Words: How William Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk

Author: Jane Sutcliffe

Illustrator: John Shelley

Published 2016 by Charlesbridge

ISBN: 978-1-58089-638-2

This copy was received from the publisher for purpose of review.