SHAKESPEARE

Synopsis

Eight-part television series on the history of the English language, written and presented by Melvyn Bragg. Episode 4 discusses some of the greatest English texts, including the first English dictionary and a rare first folio of Shakespeare’s plays. John Barton, honorary associate director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, discusses the sound and accessibility of Shakespeare’s words. Shakespeare’s impact is also examined in the larger context of Elizabethan England and the Renaissance.

Series

Adventure of English 500ad-2000, The

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Television

Technical information

Colour / Sound

Transmission details

22 Dec 2002

Duration

52 mins

Credits

Director

Robert Bee

Producer

Robert Bee

Writer

Melvyn Bragg

Music

Howard Goodall

Contributor

John Barton; Melvyn Bragg

Additional Details

Production type

Documentary/Educational/News

Subjects

Drama; English language and literature

Keywords

history of the 16th century; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Elizabethan English

Notes

General

A four-minute preview clip is available on the Films for the Humanities website. A book of the same title was published to complement the series.

Production Company

Name

London Weekend Television

Archive

Name

BFI National Film Archive

Distributor (Sale)

Name

Films for the Humanities & Sciences

Email

custserv.@films.com

Web

http://ffh.films.com/ External site opens in new window

Fax

+1 609 671 0266

Address

132 West 31st Street, 17th Floor
New York
NY 10001
USA

Notes

Films for the Humanities & Sciences is part of the US-based Films Media Group and specialises in selling programmes aimed at the HE and FE education and training market. The collection has thousands of titles and a range of separate subject catalogues is available in pdf format at http://ffh.films.com/landing.aspx?show=Catalogs/catalog_FFH.htm. Sale on video/DVD or online viewing via the Films on Demand service.