There are many books about William Shakespeare, but none that follows so closely his journey - from his birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, to Hoghton Tower near Blackburn and the Globe Theatre in London.Keith Cheetham, historian, dramatist and lifelong fan of the Bard, sets off in search of the places that shaped Shakespeare's life. From cottage to mighty castle, royal palace to battlefield, country village to vibrant metropolis he investigates the locations that informed some of the most famous poems and plays in the world.Shakespeare began life as a humble glove maker's son in Stratford-upon-Avon, but dreamt of a world beyond the sleepy confines of Warwickshire. Inspired by watching touring troupes performing the great plays of the day, he resolved to travel to London and learn the actor's craft. As a poet and dramatist he was to change the face of English literature forever.With religious persecution, assassination plots, wars, plagues, amorous encounters, blood, flames, shotgun weddings, stagecraft, political upheaval and tours of famous buildings, On the Trail of William Shakespeare is the essential handbook for anyone who wants to follow in the footsteps of England's greatest writer.Places of interest to visit - over one hundred in England, twelve in Scotland, two in Wales, and six in Europe.

One general map and six location maps.Line drawings and colour photographs.List of Shakespeare's works and a chronology of his times.