In this fast-paced introduction, Ros King reminds us of the beauty and sophistication that make Shakespeare's works a joy for any audience. Exploring his invention, wit, and skilful characterisation, King argues archaic language poses no barrier to modern readers. With summaries of The Bard's life and background, explanations of the plays' origins and instructions on how to read his poetry, Shakespeare: A Beginner's Guide provides all the tools the general reader needs.