This lavishly illustrated book, issued in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the Globe, chronicles the original setting and use of the theatre as well as the realization, over the past 15 years, of Sam Wanamaker's dream to rebuild the imposing structure in modern London. June Everett, Artist of the Record at the Globe Theatre, has commemorated the rebuilding project -- from the laying of the foundation to the opening ceremony and first performance on its stage -- in a series of inspired watercolors. They record the details and evoke the atmosphere of the site. The paintings are supplemented by photographs and contemporary drawings that perfectly illustrate Andrew Langley's lively and accessible text.

A chronology of Shakespeare's life and lists of his plays in order of first performance and of the London theatres at the beginning of the 17th century round off this volume. Weaving together the strands of Tudor history and modern rebuilding, Shakespeare's Theatre is a lovely gift book that guides us through the world of the greatest playwright in the English Language.