What is it about Hamlet that has made it such a compelling and vital work? Murder Most Foul: Hamlet Through the Ages is an account of Shakespeares great play from its sources in Scandinavian epic lore to the way it was performed and understood in his own day; and then how the play has fared down to the present: performances on stage; television; and in film; critical evaluations; publishing history; spinoffs; spoofs; musical adaptations; the plays growingreputation; its influence on writers and thinkers; and the ways in which it has shaped the very language we speak. The staging; criticism; and editing of Hamlet ; David Bevington argues; go hand in hand over the centuries; to such a remarkable extent that the history of Hamlet can be seen as a kind ofparadigm for the cultural history of the English-speaking world.
#698018 in eBooks 2011-08-01 2011-08-01File Name: B005HF4D1K
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A COCKROACH CAN LIVE FOR TWO WEEKS WITH ITS HEAD REMOVED.......By David KaneAMAZING AND FUNNY!!!....only flaw.....could have been longer...brought back memories- aim so old i actually witnessed that television magic on Mike Douglas.Dinah Shore and Fernwood2Night in real time. Who gets more experimental when they settle down marry and have kids!??...the sublime mr.Waits...The beats quest for the essence of america is noble but ultimately ends in an alcohol-induced caricature of a free spirit.This is not funny (like the book) but if he had not met his wife his greatest albums.quotes. movies. concerts.etc.....probably would not have happened. The last two months before my wife died she often thanked me for exposing her to his work back in 1987. I had to hide Mule Variations at one point because she would not stop playing it...over and over... for weeks.Because he is a true artist and a mulish man he could have been a post-70s statistic.Thank you Kathleen!!4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Waits Speaks and Paul Maher Jr. frames it for you.By JackAs in his books on the interviews of Jack Kerouac and Miles Davis. Paul Maher Jr. has again thoroughly researched the available interviews of his subject matter. The result is a book which gives those who have interest in Tom Waits body of work insights that until now just have not been placed into an organized account. It is remarkable how an artist who is otherwise known to protect his privacy is actually willing to reveal in these interviews. Waits brings journalists to his own backyard: diners. bars. pool halls. cars. etc. If Waits becomes comfortable talking . he talks - not about his family. but about what he put into his music. his art. There are no put-ons a la Dylan. just an honest artist who has given his all over the years to remain fresh and relevant.Fans of Tom will be glad that Tom does reveal some personal details. most importantly that he is healthy and has "drank enough." He knew when to say when and moved on. Paul Maher Jr. is to be congratulated for his good sense in the interviews he has chosen. and for placing them in a well organized fashion. Maher also provides excellent background essays of his own which are helpful in keeping perspective on Waits career. Mahers essays and introduction are well written and never intrusive. I for one am sick and tired of authors who make books of this ilk into avenues for their own pontificating. Those writers present seemingly endless introductions. and editorial comments that detract from books that are supposed to allow us to hear the artists own views. Maher has become a master at knowing that he has a fascinating subject matter and an ever ready audience. so he is helpful and never trespasses on a great story. This is true in this book and the ones on Kerouac and Miles Davis. Any fan of Tom Waits will cherish this book. Its been a long time coming.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A must for Waits fans.By sugar for shellyThis is a compilation of his interviews from the beginning of his career until right before the release of his last cd.I have read several bios on the man (unauthorized) and found this to be enlightening. It filled in the blanks for some of the questions I had.In the beginning he was candid giving us a glimpse into his personal life. At the end he is always elusive but little tidbits slip now and then.I gives a view into Toms head and is full of his wry sense of humor. I laughed throughout the book.The only bad thing I can say is that it ended.I thank the author for the journey.
