'John Russell Brown's new book is a must. Neatly written and jargon-free, Russell Brown's polemic is one of the best books about Shakespeare because it dares to ask a basic question: what's the point of drama? Even if you don't agree with his opinions about the reconstructed Globe Theatre, or think his views on today's touring companies are a bit outdated, his passion, energy and longing for excitement command attention. But beware: this book may encourage you to abandon your yearly outing to the theatre, and go abroad instead.' - The Independent'a very personal voyage of discovery...fresh and uncluttered' - TLS, Nov 1999'John Russell Brown has expanded the range and scope of Shakespeare studies, reinventing Shakespeare for himself.' - Louis Scheeder, Tisch School of the Arts, New York University, USA'An innovative, masterful and abundantly interesting volume, one which will certainly be in the vanguard of new Shakespeare directions.' - Mark Thornton Burnett, The Queen's University of Belfast