The Year of Lear: Shakespeare in 1606

Shakespeare expert Shapiro delivers a fascinating account of the events of 1606 in Shakespeare’s life and how they may have influenced three tragedies the bard is thought to have written that year or soon afterward. Shapiro analyzes the plays King Lear, Antony and Cleopatra, and Macbeth to show the influence of Shakespeare’s personal life as well as the new political landscape represented by King James’s ascension to the throne. Fass’s narration is lackadaisical, but he gets the job done with consistent projection and the right emphasis. But with 11 hours of dense literary criticism, a little energy and enthusiasm is needed to keep listeners attuned; instead Fass merely reads the words on the page. A Simon & Schuster hardcover. (Jan.)