Massie praises the biography as a splendid and thoroughly absorbing work that vividly brings Shakespeare’s world and personality to life. He views Ackroyd’s narrative as a rich mosaic that captures the spirit of the Elizabethan era and Shakespeare’s enduring influence.
Allan Massie admires Peter Ackroyd's biography for its depth and absorbing quality, describing it as a splendid book that thoroughly engages with Shakespeare's world. He finds Ackroyd's portrayal of the playwright and his environment to be vivid and insightful, successfully capturing the complexity of Shakespeare's character and the cultural context that shaped his work. Massie appreciates how the biography balances scholarly insight with narrative flair, making Shakespeare accessible and compelling to readers. He sees Ackroyd’s work as a valuable contribution that enriches understanding of both the man and the myth, presenting Shakespeare as a living figure within his historical and theatrical milieu.
Quick quotes
This is a splendid and thoroughly absorbing book.
Ackroyd’s portrayal vividly brings Shakespeare’s world to life.
A rich mosaic that captures the spirit of the Elizabethan era.