‘Ben Crystal’s excellent book is an ideal way to gain an understanding of why Shakespeare is so brilliant and so enjoyable.’ Sir Richard Eyre

'This is a brilliantly enjoyable, light-hearted look at Shakespeare which dispels the myths and makes him accessible to all. I love it!' Judi Dench

‘A recent poll of teenagers found Shakespeare to be the least favourite read of those consulted. Ben Crystal, an actor at The Globe and author of two previous books on the Bard, hopes to change all this. He does so by focusing on the universality and timelessness of Shakespeare’s appeal and by unraveling the poetry and its impact on our language, as well as the whole notion of what constitutes “entertainment” in our times.’ Publishing News

‘A masterclass for modern beginners and old hands alike.’ The Times

‘Having Crystal as a companion through the stickier parts of Hamlet and Macbeth is like going to the theatre with an intelligent friend.’ The Independent

‘Enjoyable, light-hearted, accessible guide to Shakespeare.’ Inthenews.co.uk

‘An enthusiastic, accessible and entertaining introduction to Shakespeare.’The Bookbag website

‘This book makes the reader want to get to a Shakespeare play as soon as possible to see how much of it has sunk in.’ Ham & High Newspaper

‘Shakespeare on Toast is reassuring, and appealing, and Crystal’s bounding enthusiasm is hard to resist. If, like Crystal, you’re a bit of a Shakespeare evangelist, you’ll want all your Shakespeare-resistant friends to read it. I’ll certainly be buying copies for mine.' Around the Globe

'[Crystal] is at his best when demonstrating the plays' origins in the demanding world of early modern theatre.' Times Literary Supplement

‘This should be required reading for actors, anyone doing English Literature at school or university, and the girls who spoiled the performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor I went to at the Globe this summer by whispering to each other that they couldn’t understand a word. Highly recommended.’Civilian Reader Blog

‘Humorous, unpretentious and fascinating.’ Independent on Sunday

“a surprise hit” Midweek, Radio 4

‘Ben Crystal’s witty and engaging book is a relaxed, user-friendly reminder that enjoying Shakespeare should be as easy as breathing.’ Dominic Dromgoole, Artistic Director, Shakespeare’s Globe

‘Digestible and informative how-to-guide… Crystal’s explanations fizz and sparkle with educated clarity and infectious enthusiasm.’ What’s on Stage

‘It’s a lively and unpretentious attempt to make Shakespeare more accessible to those who are daunted by his status and reputation.’ Speaking English Journal

‘Humorous, unpretentious and fascinating.’ Independent on Sunday

‘A masterclass for modern beginners and old hands alike.’ The Times

‘Having Crystal as a companion through the stickier parts of Hamlet and Macbeth is like going to the theatre with an intelligent friend.’ The Independent

‘An enthusiastic, accessible and entertaining introduction to Shakespeare.’Bookbag