The story need not get bogged down by phrases and sayings which are four centuries old and mean nothing today without reference notes. But to some, Shakespeare's every word must be cherished, studied, immortalized and analysed.

There is no denying the brilliance of his language skills, yet archaic words, unfamiliar phrases and outdated references make it all difficult to digest the first time through and requires serious study before there is clear understanding.

Determined to rid the language of its archaic clutter without robbing it of its Shakespearean flavour, I offer the story back to the people. Poetic imagery was favoured always, although verse and metre were sacrificed for clarity.

Referencing the most important scholars on Shakespeare and the English language, I painstakingly removed the stumbling blocks for a modern audience – the thees and thous, the theatrical ‘in’ jokes, the local sayings – in order to reveal the magnificent imagery and imaginative language twists.

- JAG