A sublime analysis of the genius of Shakespeare

The only Harold Bloom audiobook narrated by the author. A sublime introduction to the complexity and literary genius of Shakespeare

Harold Bloom remains the greatest contemporary literary critic whose books provide unique insights into classical literature with a specific focus on Shakespeare.

This work builds on his concept that Shakespeare invented the human. He regards Juliet as a remarkable figure. The picture of a wise 14-year-old young woman reminds us how adolescence was a 20th-century invention. She was a character for whom there was no template and one that introduced the literary concept of true love, romantic love. A concept that would not become widely spoken of until late 18th century France.

Moreover, Bloom shows us the complexity of the human characters in King Leer, Orthello, and of course the great Hamlet. Each time explaining how The Bard was able to weave greater depth and complexity into his characters and his prose than anyone had done previously.

What stays with the listener is how Shakespeare's creations are not only complex but real people. They act and react as if they were you or I. They think as humans think and not as a cartoonish representation of humanity. Hamlet is famously not structured in any way positive or negative. It is just a literary tragedy that follows this young man as he grows into himself.

Bloom also takes the time to debunk many myths and alternative views of Shakespeare and to underscore the deep level of thought behind them. He worked through the gruesome murder of Desdemona, the madness and rage of King Leer, as well proving that Hamlet is in no way an oedipal storyline.

Who is this for?

Whether you are a student or a seeker of literary beauty this audiobook is something that you will treasure. As a fan of Harold Bloom and his analyses, I enjoyed listening to him narrate his own essays. When others try to narrate his books they read them as you would any other non-fiction book. They don't know the authors or the characters, and they often miss the emphasis the great critic placed on many small inflections and even singular words.

This will teach you a lot about Shakespeare whether you are just beginning, have already worked your way through a printed version of one of the tragedies, or attended a performance.

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