The Most Important Book
Always looking for a way to broaden my education, delve into subjects that help me learn more about my vocation of astrology, find ways to make me better. With the a series of long commutes to and from Austin, I sampled some podcasts, finally stumbling into a series of lecture by an Emma Smith, of Oxford — I think. Available on iTunes, “Approaching Shakespeare.”
Each lecture started with a quick synopsis, then questions about the play, as a way to approach the work, rather than definitive answers. In one passage, she quotes Bart Simpson, which sets a kind of irreverent tone, at times. Perfect for the material, as this is about questions rather than absolute answers.
Besides the Bible, especially the King James Bible, The Most Important Book might very well be the Complete Works of Shakespeare, and that started with the First Folio edition. Published in 1623, years after the reputed author’s passing, that’s in one years — from scrapes, fragments, and actors’ memories.
See also, www.BareFootAstrology.com.
While hers is a new release, listening to the lectures, I can understand where some of her material is drawn from, and it’s bound to add great depth to the stories about the stories.
Shakespeare’s First Folio, 36 plays, consider such details as females characters with depth, fully fleshed out as a people, not walking (and squawking) caricatures, villains, rogues, and lovers who are still with us, in popular culture, to this day? Outside of the King James Bible, Shakespeare’s First Folio is probably The Most Important Book.
The Making of Shakespeare’s First Folio
That’s one for the wish list. I would much prefer it as a digital text.
#Shakespeare
