Unusual among Shakespeares plays in that it drew theatrical responses from the outset; The Taming of the Shrew continues to inspire adaptations and interpretations that respond to its fascinating; if provocative; representation of a husbands dominance of his wife.This annotated collection of three early modern English plays allows readers to explore the relationship between Shakespeares Shrew and two closely related plays of the same genre; the earlier of which; the anonymous The Taming of a Shrew (whether inspired by Shakespeares play or vice-versa); once enjoyed a level of popularity that likely surpassed that of Shakespeares play.The editors Introduction brilliantly illuminates points of comparison between the three; their larger themes included; and convincingly argues that Shakespeares Shrew is seen all the more vividly when the anonymous A Shrew and Fletchers table-turning The Tamer Tamed are waiting in the wings.
#3132735 in eBooks 2014-09-16 2014-09-16File Name: B00NMBPZ86
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The Great TracyBy Allan H. SeidmanWhen you read this biography you will fully understand why during his career Spencer Tracy was called the "actors actor. His ability to portray so many varied roles; where you never caught him "acting"; has never been surpassed. This is the most complete and in depth biography you could read about this great and brilliant actor. And the author; to his credit; unfolds the real man; from early childhood on with warts and all. He was a deeply flawed and conflicted human being with inner demons he wrestled with his entire life including that of alcoholism.For Tracy fans you will read fascinating accounts of all his movies; the preparation for them; the on the set conflicts; his relationships with the greatest movie stars of the 20th century and how he dealt with being one of the greatest movies stars of his time. The author also spends a great deal of time showing Tracys marriage; his children ( his son born deaf) and how this too contributed to his deep emotional conflicts.A good part of the last half of the book deals with his long relationship with Katherine Hepburn. Author Curtis brings this often tumultuous relationship with all its passions; complexities and love to the reader in often intimate detail. And with that we gain much insight into the great Hepburn herself. Just reading about their relationship is worth the price of this book alone. This book is a must read for anyone interested in the movies; the history behind them and the true greatness of one of its best and most gifted stars. A fascinating book on all accounts.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. I love to readBy Susan BrooksI love to read; but Ive gotten away fromlight fiction and decided to explore some biographies. I could NOT have picked a better book than this one on Spencer Tracy!! He was such a complex and gifted man; so very multidimensional thathe needed a gifted author to write about him. My main worry was that this huge book would be too dry-too much detailbecause of its length and reading some excerpts. I was wrong. I was thoroughlyengrossed in this actors life and loved the detail because of my interest in such a complex man. I wish more biographerscould write with the accuracy and detailthat was in this book!!! If you have the time and the interest; its a great read.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. If you already like Spence; this is for you.By Lars LindbergThis is a near-scholarly but readable biography of one of the countrys great actors. Always a fan of the Hepburn-Tracy duo; in the past few years Id noticed Spence more and more; as he always played the straight man to her high energy.Curtis is a careful researcher and notes that he is not a fan of the current genre of celebrity biography in which writers are often try to synthesize new sexual orientations; accept word of mouth remembrances; and decades-old memories as undeniable proof.This book is meticulously researched and ends up showing Tracy as a very vital; fascinating; but self-abnegating actor.This is not a book that focuses on Hepburn and talks about Tracy as a sideline--its about Tracy; and where its important; there relationship is discussed; and in very matter of fact terms. That she loved him was undeniable. He certainly needed her. But he remained married to his first wife until his death; and Hepburn did not attend his funeral.Spence was a great actor and--with typical Irish understatement--denied he worked at it at all. He was a mans man. And women found him irresistible. Not even Hepburn had a strictly monogamous relationship as a mistress. She did love; and care for Tracy in a way that no one else could; and was as crazy about him as an adolescent.To the very end; Spence held onto the beliefs he was brought up with; although his actions were rarely in keeping with the beliefs. He was tormented by guilt and felt his work was meaningless; compared to; say; the real Father Flanagan; with whom he maintained a close relationship until the latters death.The book is long but engrossing. Its hard to end it without feeling a deeper admiration for Spencer Tracy. And; to give credit; to Hepburn; for showing respect to his beliefs; which were much different than her own.
