The Sonnets by William Shakespeare

Gr 11 Up—In an app that will appeal to even the most reluctant of students, Touch Press has assembled a brilliant team of scholars and actors to produce the equivalent of a course in Shakespeare's sonnets. Each of the 154 selections begins with a video recording of an actor's recitation of the work (delivered by Stephen Fry, Patrick Stewart, Fiona Shaw, or another noted performer). As the verse is presented, users can choose to view the performance full-screen, or read the verses as the corresponding text is highlighted. Additional notes analyze individual lines.Don Paterson provides commentary for each sonnet, and contributes to the fascinating section titled, "Perspectives." Here students will gain a better understanding of Shakespeare's contribution to the form, discover speculative theory about his sexuality, and learn the origins of original pronunciation.Cicely Berry shares thoughts on how academics have "stolen the sound of Shakespeare from us" in that people feel they "must" study him to appreciate his language. Author Katherine Duncan-Jones considers the use of the sonnet to explore private emotions without puns. There are also a few discussions about the true authorship of the verses.Every "Perspectives" entry is composed of text and a corresponding video. These unpretentious, you-are-there conversations allow users to connect to the sonnet as a form, and illuminate the meaning and intent of the works. Shakespeare's narrative poem, "A Lover's Complaint" is also given attention. The app includes a text-only category of notes from The Arden Shakespeare offering information on context and illusion and the reception and criticism of the selections, but that section and the facsimile of the 1609 edition of the Sonnets pale in comparison to the video-rich resources.Large buttons on the home page link each section, and the sonnets can be accessed by actor or number. Students and teachers will want to watch the videos multiple times, in English classes, as well as theater class for its acting suggestions. An essential purchase for upper-level literature classes and anyone interested in Shakespeare performance.—Pamela Schembri, Newburgh Enlarged City Schools, Newburgh, NY (10/11/12)