Shakespeare's Restless World

Neil MacGregor, the acclaimed author of "A History of the World in 100 Objects," masterfully transports readers to the vibrant and volatile world of William Shakespeare and the Tudor era under Elizabeth I. Through a unique collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the BBC, MacGregor delves into twenty carefully selected artifacts, each serving as a window into the cultural, social, and political landscape that forged the Bard's timeless narratives. From maps charting audacious global explorations to objects reflecting profound religious schisms, the book vividly reconstructs the daily realities, beliefs, and transformative forces of the 16th and early 17th centuries. Lavishly illustrated, this work invites readers to intimately experience a pivotal moment when humankind teetered on the brink of the modern age, shaped by groundbreaking discoveries in science and technology. MacGregor's signature method of storytelling through objects offers a fresh, tangible understanding of Shakespeare's universe and the restless spirit of an era defined by profound change.