This book has been produced to accompany a forthcoming exhibition of the same name to be held at the British Museum. People intending to visit this exhibition are, I think, its target readership, either as a primer before a visit or as a means to follow up a particular interest or to consider an exhibit in more depth: them and people who would like to go but can’t make it in person. It weaves an intricate tapestry of the influence of the world on Shakespeare and of him on the world. His references to the dress, customs, and social, political and commercial manners of his day can shine a light on these aspect for us today. It also explores the connection between his texts and what was happening around him at the time, tapping into historical and mythological references that his contemporaries would have understood (but that sometimes pose problems for a modern-day audience). It shows how he drew on history but made it relevant to the – to him – present, not just with those who saw his plays at the theatre but also their outings at court. His works are, of course, peppered with references to nationalism, race, colour, colonisation and exploration, as well as the domestic concerns of fashion, business, religion and home life. The book also discusses the question of Shakespeare’s Englishness or Britishness. This is a lot of book for the money. It is lavishly illustrated and there are copious extended captions, footnotes and references – almost too many, actually, if, like me, you are neither a Shakespeare scholar nor a history graduate. There is so much information that at times I got rather bewildered. But that is my problem and not the authors'. It’s definitely not a book to read cover to cover in one sitting, but rather to dip into now and then. I wouldn’t recommend this book to the general reader, but anyone who has even a passing interest in Shakespeare and/or history will find much to enjoy.

I am an English teacher, and was attracted to this book by the word 'Shakespeare' in the title. However, I must admit that I'm not so good at reading non-fiction and, while I can see that this is a thoroughly-researched, academic book, my interest soon wandered. I skipped from section to section hoping that something would engage me; but I couldn't keep up with the huge cast of historical characters. A wonderful book for art historians - through the photographed maps, artefacts, etchings and watercolours it builds a rich picture of 17th-century England. Also good for the Shakespeare fanatic who wants to know all there is to know about the bard - this book weaves a fascinating web of interconnections between Shakespeare's world and his literary creations. But it has little to offer a lover of literature like myself.