It’s the 1590s. William Shakespeare—brought to life on screen by the inimitable David Mitchell—is at the start of his career. But no one is taking him seriously. In London, he is mercilessly mocked by his rivals and at home in Stratford he is belittled by his sullen teenage daughter.

Yet he is determined to find an ending for his newest creation,Romeo and Juliet. Luckily, inspiration is forthcoming. The trials and tribulations of his closest friends and family reveal the plot twists he’d been missing. And not only for this famous tragedy but for many of his finest plays.

With sparkling wordplay, hilarious gags, and his trademark wit, Ben Elton celebrates the great William Shakespeare and reveals the startling stories behind the playwright’s best-known plays.

Ben Elton is one of Britain's most provocative and entertaining writers. From celebrity to climate change, from World War I to the end of the world, his books give his unique perspective on some of the most controversial topics of our time. He has written 14 titles, including Stark, Popcorn, Inconceivable, Dead Famous, High Society, The First Casualty, and Two Brothers. He has also written some of television's most popular and incisive comedy, including The Young Ones and Blackadder.