From the author of 1599, a fresh perspective on the history of the United States - and a timely reminder of Shakespeares indelible influence. A RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK Shakespeares position as Englands national poet is established and unquestionable. But as James Shapiro illuminates in this revelatory new history, Shakespeare has long held an essential place in American culture. Why, though, would a proudly independent republic embrace Englands greatest writer? Especially when his works enact so many of Americas darkest nightmares: interracial marriage, cross-dressing, same-sex love, tyranny, and assassination? Investigating a selection of defining moments in American history - drilling into issues of race, miscegenation, gender, patriotism and immigration; encountering Presidents, activists, writers and actors - Shapiro leads us to fascinating answers and uncovers rich and startling stories. But perhaps most pressingly, we learn how, in Trumps America, the staging of his work has provoked threat