Bardisms : Shakespeare for all occasions : wonderful words from the bard on life's big moments (and some small ones, too), plus tips on how to use them in a toast, speech, or letter

William Shakespeare's plays and poetry make up a vast repository of wit and wisdom, of insight and passion. For the momentous events in our lives—the ones that call for some memorable remarks or a great toast—the Bard is the perfect speechwriter. On any occasion, chances are there's a Shakespeare quote that's fitting. The challenge, of course, is finding the right one. Enter Barry Edelstein. One of the top Shakespeare directors and teachers in the country, he can help you pick the perfect ''Bardism,'' pronounce it with style, and craft an elegant speech, talk, or missive around it. Bardisms provides the best of Shakespeare's wisdom, with passages that mark the special times as well as the everyday: * A wedding vow: ''To you I give myself, for I am yours.'' — As You Like It * For your darling little girl: ''You gods, look down / And from your sacred vials pour your graces / Upon my daughter's head.'' — The Winter's Tale * Birthday greeting: ''To me, fair friend, you can never be old;'' — Sonnet 104 * Time to party: ''Let's mock the midnight bell.'' — Antony and Cleopatra * On reputation: ''Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, / Is the immediate jewel of their souls.'' — Othello Edelstein takes the reader step by step through each Shakespeare quote, providing eminently helpful tips for speaking the lines like a pro. The book is organized chronologically, covering all stages of life—from childbirth to commencement, marriage, the workplace, old age, and all the significant events in between. Bardisms celebrates Shakespeare's genius with a wealth of fascinating tidbits about his life and times, his work and his art. Edelstein explores what it is about Shakespeare's writing that makes it so fitting for important moments: his perfect balance of wit and sentimentality; his boundless imagination; his ability to express emotion at its purest; and his talent for communicating a complex thought in vivid and energetic terms. Most of all, Bardisms makes Shakespeare infinitely more accessible, lending a freshness and vitality to his writing and fostering a new appreciation for its usefulness in our lives. For anyone struggling to come up with the perfect words, in any situation, Bardisms is the ultimate resource.

Browse the delightful Bardisms to find a fitting quote for any mood, moment, or occasion. But read it through to learn how to enjoy Shakespeare and bring more of his language into your daily life. - Jacob Weisberg, Editor of Slate magazine and author of Bushisms

A fantastic reference for anyone who loves Shakespeare! - Steve Martin

From renowned Shakespearean director Barry Edelstein comes Bardisms: a straightforward, accessible guide to using Shakespeare's wit and wisdom at special occasions of every type. Over the course of his career, Edelstein has directed more than half of Shakespeare's plays, and he brings all his passion, insight, and years of study to Bardisms. In the words of Adam Gopnik (Through the Children's Gate), Barry Edelstein knows more about Shakespeare, and in a less pedantic manner, than nearly anyone I know.

Looking for an ideal toast, quip, or remark for that special occasion-or the perfect pithy comment to enliven an everyday conversation? Ask Shakespeare!

A wedding vow-To you I give myself, for I am yours (As You Like It)

A birthday greeting-to me, fair fried, you can never be old. (Sonnet 104)

Party time!-Let's mock the midnight bell. (Antony and Cleopatra)

The plays and poetry of the Immortal Bard make up a vast repository of wit and wisdom, insight and passion. If there's an occasion that needs commemorating, chances are there are some lines from Shakespeare that will do the job right. Whether you want to speak the speech with verve and flair or craft an elegant toast, lecture, or missive, world-renowned Shakespearean director and teacher Barry Edelstein will help you find the perfect Bardism for any occasion.

"William Shakespeare's plays and poetry make up a vast repository of wit and wisdom, of insight and passion. For the momentous events in our lives - the ones that call for some memorable remarks or a great toast - the Bard is the perfect speechwriter. On any occasion, chances are there's a Shakespeare quote that's fitting. The challenge, of course, is finding the right one. The author can help you pick the perfect "Bardism", pronounce it with style, and craft an elegant speech, talk, or missive around it."--Global Books in Print. Suggests ways to apply Shakespearean wit to any occasion, with recommendations for incorporating quotes into speeches, in a reference that is complemented by tips on pronunciation and delivery Title from PDF title page (viewed on June 1, 2009).