Macbeth presents an edited version of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays. The fact that it is edited is an essential aspect of its success. Skilful cutting preserves key speeches and retains the work's shape and momentum while avoiding passages that may have less relevance to modern audiences. The edited original text is accompanied by a modern English translation throughout. This simplified version puts Shakespeare's work into understandable, contemporary language. It goes for clarity of expression rather than poetic effect and is a brilliant support for those who would otherwise struggle to comprehend Shakespeare's verse. Both Shakespeare's text and its modern translation are presented throughout in comic book style. The vivid two colour illustrations have their own intrinsic appeal, but also provide important information about setting, historical context, atmosphere and character. The Shakespeare Comic Book Series has become an established and popular part of the English curriculum in many UK schools. Mainly used by teachers at KS 2-4, the comic book approach to his work has been described by one teacher as 'the perfect introduction to Shakespeare.'

 

This book is part of a book series called Comic Book Shakespeare .

This book is suitable for Key Stage 2. KS2 covers school years 4, 5 and 6, and ages 8-11 years. A key stage is any of the fixed stages into which the national curriculum is divided, each having its own prescribed course of study. At the end of each stage, pupils are required to complete standard assessment tasks.

There are 56 pages in this book. This is a picture book. A picture book uses pictures and text to tell the story. The number of words varies from zero ('wordless') to around 1k over 32 pages. Picture books are typically aimed at young readers (age 3-6) but can also be aimed at older children (7+). This book was published 2003 by Timber Frame Publications Ltd .

Simon Greaves specialises in preparing children for their National Tests and runs KS2 booster classes. Rene Weis is Professor of English at University College London and a distinguished editor and biographer of Shakespeare.