Scott Newstok on How to Think Like Shakespeare

This book challenges modern educational practices by highlighting the formative habits and practices that shaped minds like Shakespeare's. It explores how mental play, creativity, autonomy, innovation, and freedom can emerge through work, imitation, tradition, constraint, and discipline. Newstok draws on Shakespeare's world and other writers to distill enduring practices for deeper thinking and more effective writing.

While not a single book, Jane Austen's novels are collectively considered masterpieces of English literature. Her works, including "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," and "Emma," are known for their witty social commentary, realistic portrayal of characters, and exploration of themes of love, marriage, and social class. Austen's keen observations of human nature and her ability to create memorable and complex characters have ensured her enduring popularity. Her novels offer insightful perspectives on the social dynamics and gender roles of her time, and their enduring appeal lies in their timeless exploration of human relationships.

This anthology offers a wide range of Simone Weil's writings, including essays on justice, morality, and the human condition. It provides insights into her unique philosophical perspective, which spans from social activism to spiritual contemplation. Weil's work continues to influence contemporary thought in philosophy, politics, and spirituality.

Copia: Foundations of the Abundant Style is a seminal work by Desiderius Erasmus, first published in 1512. It emphasizes the importance of variety in expression and subject matter to create an effective and abundant style. The book provides exercises and examples to help students master rhetorical techniques, such as composing multiple variations of a sentence to develop stylistic judgment and command over sentence structures.

In his Nobel Prize speech, Faulkner emphasizes the duty of writers to explore the human heart in conflict with itself, highlighting themes of love, honor, and sacrifice. He argues that true writing must delve into these universal truths rather than fear and superficial emotions. The speech is a powerful call to writers to focus on what truly matters in literature.

Felix Mendelssohn composed the incidental music for 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' in 1842, incorporating his earlier overture. The work includes famous pieces like the 'Wedding March' and 'Scherzo', capturing the whimsical spirit of Shakespeare's play. It was first performed on October 14, 1843, at Potsdam.

Leonhardi Euleri Opera Omnia is a monumental project that compiles the extensive works of Leonhard Euler, a polymath who significantly influenced mathematics, physics, and astronomy. The collection includes his foundational texts on calculus, mechanics, and number theory, among other subjects. It is a testament to Euler's profound impact on modern mathematics and science.

Alan Jacobs is a prolific author with a diverse range of publications, including 'How to Think: A Survival Guide for a World at Odds' and 'The Year of Our Lord 1943: Christian Humanism in an Age of Crisis'. His works often explore themes of literature, technology, theology, and cognitive psychology.

This variorum edition of Shakespeare's works is a foundational collection that includes plays, poems, and extensive scholarly commentary. It features prefaces by notable figures like Pope and Johnson, as well as a glossarial index and historical documents related to Shakespeare's life. The edition is significant for its contribution to modern Shakespearean scholarship.

Iris Murdoch was a renowned novelist and philosopher whose works spanned novels like *Under the Net*, *The Bell*, and *The Sea, The Sea*, as well as philosophical essays such as *The Sovereignty of Good*. Her writing often delved into complex moral themes and the human condition. Murdoch's novels are celebrated for their intricate characters and philosophical depth, while her philosophical works offer insights into moral realism and the importance of 'seeing' moral facts.

Gustave Flaubert's works are renowned for their realism and detailed portrayals of life. His novels, such as 'Madame Bovary' and 'Sentimental Education', are considered classics of French literature. His writing often explores themes of human desire, societal norms, and the search for meaning.

Published in 1854, 'Walden; Or, Life in the Woods' is a series of 18 essays that reflect Thoreau's experiences living in a small cabin near Walden Pond from July 1845 to September 1847. The book is a personal declaration of independence, a social experiment, and a voyage of spiritual discovery. Thoreau details his life in the woods, discussing the construction of his cabin, his daily activities, and his philosophical reflections on economy, social relations, and the importance of living in harmony with nature. The work is considered a cornerstone of American literature and a foundational text in the Transcendentalist movement, emphasizing the benefits of a simplified lifestyle and the importance of individual freedom and self-reliance[2][4][5].

This book is a compilation of Elizabeth Bishop's letters, selected by Robert Giroux, providing a candid and intimate look at her life, friendships, and literary development. The letters span over fifty years, from 1928 until her death in 1979, and serve as a sort of autobiography, revealing her wit, emotional depth, and artistic rigor.

John Milton's "Lycidas" is a pastoral elegy written to commemorate the death of Edward King. The poem is a complex and multifaceted work that explores themes of grief, mortality, and the nature of poetic fame. It's known for its intricate use of classical allusions, its shifting tone, and its blend of personal emotion and intellectual reflection. The poem's innovative structure and its challenging blend of conventions and subversions have made it a subject of ongoing critical debate. Its enduring appeal lies in its exploration of timeless human concerns and its masterful use of language. The work's impact on English literature is undeniable.

Montaigne's *Essays* are a seminal work that introduced the essay as a literary form. The book is a personal and introspective exploration of various subjects, including the human condition, skepticism, and the importance of concrete experience over abstract learning. Montaigne's skepticism is reflected in the title *Essais*, meaning 'Attempts' or 'Tests', indicating a project of trial and error and tentative exploration. The essays cover topics such as the education of children, the role of the body, illness, aging, and death. Montaigne's writing style is characterized by multiple digressions, anecdotes from ancient and contemporary sources, and quotations that reinforce his critical analysis of reality[2][5][4].

Geoffrey Chaucer's works represent a pivotal moment in the development of the English language and literature. His most famous work, "The Canterbury Tales," is a collection of stories told by a diverse group of pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury Cathedral. Chaucer's masterful use of Middle English and his vivid portrayal of characters from all walks of life make his work both engaging and historically significant. His works offer valuable insights into medieval society and culture. Chaucer's influence on subsequent English writers is immense, and his works continue to be studied and appreciated for their literary merit and historical importance.

Set in Sidley Park, an aristocratic estate in Derbyshire, England, 'Arcadia' by Tom Stoppard navigates two distinct time periods: the early 1800s and 1993. The play follows the intellectual growth of Thomasina Coverly, a brilliant teenage girl in the 19th century, and a group of modern-day scholars who attempt to uncover the truth about the past. It delves into themes such as the nature of truth and time, the difference between classical and romantic temperaments, and the disruptive influence of sex on human lives. The garden at Sidley Park serves as a central symbol, representing the shift from classical order to romantic mystery and the Gothic style[2][3][5].