Shakespeare

This richly illustrated book presents an extraordinary collection of objects from the British Museum's unrivaled collection, as well as key pieces from Britain and elsewhere. Simon Forman's diary of 1611 gives a vivid account of attending a contemporary performance of A Winter's Tale; a dagger fished from the Thames gives new resonance to the gang violence of Romeo and Juliet; while Guy Fawkes' lantern illustrates the Catholic counterculture revealed through the failed Gunpowder Plot, which was later to prove the inspiration for Macbeth. Shakespeare: Staging the World is a fascinating view of the early modern world through the eyes of Shakespeare, his players and audiences. An exhibition at the British Museum from 19 July to 25 November 2012.