Shakespeare on Toast: Getting a Taste for the Bard

Actor and author Ben Crystal brings the bright words and colorful characters of the world’s greatest hack writer brilliantly to life, handing over the key to William Shakespeare’s plays, unlocking the so-called difficult bits and, astonishingly, finding Shakespeare’s own voice in among the poetry.

Told in five fascinating acts, Shakespeare on Toast sweeps the cobwebs from the Bard – from his language, his life, his time – revealing both the man and his work to be relevant, accessible, and full of beans.

This is a book for everyone, whether you’re reading Shakespeare for the first time, occasionally find him troublesome, think you know him backwards, or have never set foot near one of his plays but have always wanted to. It’s quick, easy, and good for you. Just like toast.

Ben Crystal is an actor for television, film, and theater, and has trodden the boards at Shakespeare's Globe. With his father David Crystal, the acclaimed English scholar, he co-authored the international best-seller Shakespeare's Words (Penguin Books, 2002) and The Shakespeare Miscellany (Penguin Books, 2005).