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Book Review of Nicholas Cooke: Actor, Soldier, Physician, Priest

Nicholas Cooke: Actor, Soldier, Physician, Priest
canadianeh avatar reviewed on + 242 more book reviews


A young orphan, expelled from Oxford because of his rebellious temperament, is eventually apprenticed to a band of players in old London. Splendid 15th century detail and an excellent storyline. Well written and totally immersive, I am savoring every chapter as Nicholas grows to be a young man. If you enjoy fiction written about this era, you will love this first in a trilogy and happily enter the world that Shakespeare knew every time you pick up this book to read in it. It's largely about the theatre in the age of Shakespeare and Marlowe, who are players in the novel. I'm usually uncomfortable about fiction and actual historical figures, but this is nicely done and in very enjoyable prose which conjures up the era without sounding false. Great tale. Hope you read it.