Tales from Shakespeare (Illustrated by Arthur Rackham with an Introduction by Alfred Ainger)

Many reviewers praise this collection as an excellent and accessible introduction to Shakespeare's plays, particularly for younger readers and those new to the Bard. It is frequently described as "delightfully readable," "well-written," and "engaging," capturing the essence, language, humor, and pathos of the original works in a prose story format. Readers appreciate how the book simplifies complex plots and language, making Shakespeare's stories "easy to follow" and "comprehend," without losing the "magic" or "message" of the original plays. It is seen as a valuable tool for preparing readers to tackle the original texts, or simply for those curious about Shakespeare's tales without committing to the full plays. Many found it a "charming retelling" and a "wonderful" way to explore the stories, even leading some to reread it multiple times or use it for family reading and discussion.

A recurring criticism is the omission of certain types of Shakespearean plays, specifically the British history plays and Roman dramas, which some reviewers found to be a significant gap in the collection. While intended for children, some found the language to be "lengthy" and the vocabulary "daunting" for modern young readers, making it "just barely" easier than the originals, or "hard to follow" and "hard to read aloud" in one sitting. Several reviewers felt that the adaptations were "over-simplified" or "censored," missing crucial parts, dialogue, or the full depth and nuance of Shakespeare's work, leading to a "toothless" or "mangled mess" in some instances. Specific adaptations were criticized for problematic portrayals or for reflecting outdated Victorian attitudes, making them potentially inappropriate for contemporary audiences. Some reviewers also found the comedies repetitive or less unique than the tragedies, while others generally felt the book "dumbed down" Shakespeare, insulting their intelligence rather than enhancing appreciation.

Overall, "Tales From Shakespeare" is a mixed but generally valued resource. It excels as a foundational stepping stone for those seeking an initial grasp of Shakespeare's narratives, particularly the comedies and tragedies it includes. It is highly recommended for teenagers and non-English speakers looking for an accessible entry point into Shakespeare's world, or for parents and educators hoping to spark interest in the Bard before delving into the original plays. However, purists or those seeking a comprehensive and uncensored experience of Shakespeare's complete body of work might find it lacking in depth and scope. It serves best as an introduction, a gateway, rather than a substitute for the full brilliance of Shakespeare's original genius.