As You Like It

Author: William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

Written: c 1599

Editors: Jonathan Bate and Eric Rasmussen

Publisher: Modern Library (2010 Edition)

Bought from: Book Depository

Introduction

This is one of Shakespeare’s “pastoral comedies”. It features Rosalind, one of his most famous female characters and the only one who delivers the epilogue.

What is it about?

The main characters Rosalind and Orlando are forced into exile in the Forest of Arden and find love. There is the inevitable cross dressing and mistaken identities. The play ends with four weddings (and happily no funerals).  

What about the book?

Each of the books in the RSC Shakespeare series published by The Modern Library comes with very informative footnotes, helpful scene-by-scene analysis and, best of all, commentary on past and current productions that comes with interviews with leading directors and actor. The books are also very reasonably priced. Best of all, the introductions are not overly long and focus on a few talking points for each play. The paper quality is not particularly good though. Also, the covers are not very attractive.

Finally ...

This play is the source for the famous quotation “All the world’s a stage / And all the men and women merely players” (2.7.142-143).

I don’t much like this!