Brightest Heaven Of Invention

Introduction: A Christian Approach To Literary Study

Section I: History
Introduction: History
The Mirror Of All Christian Kings: Henry V
Alas, Thou Has Misconstru’d Everything: Julius Caesar

Section II: Tragedy
Introduction: Tragedy
The Serpent Now Wears The Crown: Hamlet
If It Were Done When ‘Tis Done: Macbeth

Section III: Comedy
Introduction: Comedy
Till She Stoop She Must Not Be Full-Gorged: The Taming Of The Shrew
May I Be So Converted And See With These Eyes? Much Ado About Nothing

Additional Info
Shakespeare was a great observer, who was able to see deeply into the patterns of human character. Dare anyone say that these insights are irrelevant to living in the real world? For many in an older generation the Bible and the Collected Shakespeare were the two indispensable books.

Leithart’s perceptive walk through these plays is written especially for a high school level course, but older students will benefit as well. The six plays discussed are: Henry V, Julius Caesar, Hamlet, Macbeth, The Taming of the Shrew, and Much Ado About Nothing.

Leithart’s commentary is really a guide for exploring the beauty and depth of each of the six plays and is far more than the superficial treatment typical of most study guides. It gets into philosophy, history, culture, and other significant factors.