Shakespeare and Amateur Performance A Cultural History

'... brilliantly researched and written with clarity and verve. A scholarly work by a man who obviously loves the theatre, it will make fascinating reading for both professional and amateur performers alike.' Wendy Craig, actress 'A groundbreaking and utterly fascinating study ... Nobody understands the history of Shakespeare in performance - or how deeply four centuries of amateur productions have shaped our culture - better than Michael Dobson.' James Shapiro, Columbia University '[A] generous and fascinating study.' The Guardian 'Never patronising, Dobson writes movingly and wittily, stressing the slipperiness of the category of 'amateur' ... He offers a fascinating alternative history of Shakespeare ... Dobson's is a loving book, not in the obsequious manner of professional Bardolators, but in a way Nick Bottom the weaver would understand: 'A very good piece of work, I assure you, and a merry'.' Times Higher Education 'Groundbreaking.' Around the Globe 'Michael Dobson has opened the lid of a treasure chest of gems.' Literary Review 'Readable, entertaining and provocative.' Times Literary Supplement ' ... [the author's] new book ... breaks unfamiliar and entertaining ground ... an enjoyable book ...' The Oxford Magazine