Prologue

William Shakespeare was well-known in his own time, but his popularity has only grown in the past four centuries.  His vocabulary has enriched the English language, and his presence now enhances literature, art, and consumer culture.  From a young age, children learn about Shakespeare and his works through blatant parodies such as the movie Gnomeo and Juliet, or more subtle adaptations of his themes in West Side Story,Stephenie Meyer's New Moon, and as Hamlet retold in the Lion King.  William Shakespeare features as a cultural icon in the juvenile fiction Shakespeare Stealer series, in movies such as Shakespeare in Love and Shakespeare High, and is explained to all in Shakespeare for Dummies.

Yet for true fans, who don't classify themselves with the "dummies," their patronage of the Bard can be shown in many ways.  From apparel choices sporting his image and words on everything from shirts to watches, to houshold decor choices, to toys and puzzles, Shakespeare has become an emblem of intellectual cachet.  These days, understanding his wit and wisdom through clever quotes on chewing gum wrappers is almost akin to collecting first folios.  What would Shakespeare say?  Considering his words: "there are more thing in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy" (Hamlet Act 1 scene 5 166-67), it would appear that this commercial transformation might meet with his approval.