Wisdom of Shakespeare

In this thought provoking book the author takes the reader into the fascinating world of Alchemy and Cabala that underlies Shakespeare's play, Twelfth Night or What You Will. We are shown not only how the play is based on a profound understanding of the biblical Genesis and Revelation but also of the mystery path of initiation that lies between. The story takes on another depth of meaning when we realise that the characters represent aspects of our own psyche and spirit as well as of society generally, and that the play is an allegory of a possible path to our own and humanity's future happiness. This is the fifth of Peter Dawkins' books on the Wisdom of Shakespeare. The series is devoted to showing the depth of wisdom and the extraordinary knowledge of the Mystery traditions contained in the Shakespeare plays. The books are written for all Shakespeare lovers, students of the Western wisdom traditions, and for actors and audience alike.

Written to complement the Globe Theatre's production of "As You Like It", this work allows the reader to understand the philosophical and spiritual traditions of Shakespeare's age. As well as placing the play in context, the author shows how the main plot of the play develops and how it relates to the three sub-plots and the three supporting plots as well as to the background plot of the two brother dukes. The reader is shown how themes within the play relate to philosophical traditions dating back to the Ancient Greeks. These traditions are shown to be at the heart of any understanding of "As You Like It" and by looking in detail at them the book provides new insights for both audiences and actors alike.

Shakespeare's Tempest needs little introduction as being one of his greatest and yet one of his most mysterious plays. In this stimulating book, the author delves into this mystery, introducing the reader to the real meaning of Prospero's magic, the nature of Ariel his spirit, the roles of the other characters as aspects of the human psyche, and the alchemical and cosmological rhythms of the play. The Tempest is shown as being a 'book' of wisdom and initiation, with many levels of profound meaning, written by a Master who knows the nature and possibilities of the human mind, and who appears to have been deeply involved in the underground Rosicrucian movement of his time. This is the fourth of Peter Dawkins' books on the Wisdom of Shakespeare. The series is devoted to showing the depth of wisdom and the extraordinary knowledge of the Mystery traditions contained in the Shakespeare plays. The books are written for all Shakespeare lovers, students of the Western wisdom traditions, and for actors and audience alike. 'With meticulous research and astonishingly diverse knowledge Peter Dawkins creates a provocative and compelling case for seeing The Tempest as an initiatory text and a true mystery play. This valuable series will change the way you think about Shakespeare.' Richard Olivier, Director of Mythodrama, Creative management courses, Globe Theatre. 'We know Shakespeare is entertaining, and his work a phenomenon amongst mankind's achievements, but what is he actually saying to us? There are many interpretations. I find Peter's one of the most beautiful and one that is beneficial to my life, enriching my ability to live intimately with myself, others, and the world around me, seen and unseen.' Mark Rylance, Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Globe Theatre. 'Whether you are a student of Renaissance Neoplatonism or someone who is just plain curious about the extraordinary magic that the Shakespeare plays still exert over our lives, globally, then you will find, as I have, that Peter Dawkins will lead you through a maze of wonder in his exploration of The Tempest. There is a beauty and harmony to Peter's work that embraces all cultures and beliefs in an extraordinary voyage of discovery.' Claire Van Kampen, Director of Theatre Music, Shakespeare Globe Theatre.

In this enlightening and fascinating book, Peter Dawkins carefully unfolds the layers of deeper meaning in Shakespeare's play, The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, revealing the Mystery teachings upon which it is based. By reading this book you will discover the hidden worlds of Freemasonry, Neoplatonism and Christianity. The book will not only help you to appreciate and enjoy the play more than ever before, but will also provide a stimulating source of information and wisdom for your life. This book is the third in a series of books on the Wisdom of Shakespeare. The series is devoted to showing the depth of wisdom and extraordinary knowledge of the Mystery traditions contained in the Shakespeare plays. The books are written for all Shakespeare lovers and students of the Western wisdom traditions, and for actors and audience alike.

Peter Dawkins ideas provide a unique insight into the philosophical and spiritual traditions of Shakespeare's age. They elucidate and elaborate the mythic patterns within the text and highlight its role as a Mystery Drama in the Greek tradition. Students of Wisdom teachings, theatre practitioners and interested theatregoers will enjoy this fascinating and provocative exploration of one of Shakespeare's most controversial plays. Written to complement the Globe Theatre's production of "The Merchant of Venice", this work allows the reader to understand the philosophical and spiritual traditions of Shakespeare's age. As well as placing the play in context, the author shows how the five main plots of the play develop and how certain themes within the play relate to philosophical traditions dating back to the Ancient Greeks. These philosophical traditions are shown to be at the heart of any understanding of "The Merchant of Venice" and by looking in detail at them the book provides new insights for both audiences and actors alike.