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STOP PRESS: Classical Comics have free downloads (PDFs) of the set sections for the 2008 Key Stage 3 English test (Much Ado About Nothing, The Tempest and Richard III) - all brilliantly illustrated and annotated (three versions, original, plain and quick text) - go to www.classicalcomics.com - here's a taster:

Classical Comics ~ Macbeth
William Shakespeare

What an absolutely brilliant way to read (and learn) Shakespeare! Last night I found myself reading the plain text version and thoroughly enjoying it - as much as I love the sound of Shakespeare I can't claim to always understand it - but this version from Classical Comics enables you to do both, and it's outstanding! I don't know if it's because I've always been keen on comics and graphic novels ~ my first introduction to TARZAN OF THE APES was in the comics my uncles used to bring home ~ but this is something else. The Scottish Play is brought to life in a way I would never have thought possible. I cannot recommend this series enough, it is a triumph of inventive publishing that succeeds on multiple levels. It's enjoyable to read per se, it will help scholars to understand Shakespeare, it presents the very finest imagery, and even allows you to read the original text as well. There have been comic versions of classic novels in the past, but nothing so comprehensive and engaging as this.

Classical Comics follow up their outstanding success with HENRY V (reviewed last month) by bringing you three stunning versions of MACBETH ~ top-quality comic art combined with three excellent versions of the text - if only these had been available when I was doing A Level English! No more wondering what Mr Shakespeare meant when he used certain words and phrases, it's all here. You'd be mad not to get at least two versions, all three would be better, and you could get all three for £21 from my Amazon store (+p&p). Just put "Classical comics macbeth" in the search box and away you go -  couldn't be easier. Patrick Stewart says: "I'm fascinated by your approach... I find them gripping, dramatic and, although for me the original Shakespeare is always my reason for turning to these plays, I think that what you are doing in illuminating and making them perhaps more lucid for young people, is clever and meaningful" - quite an endorsement!

"All hail, Macbeth! that shalt be king hereafter."

Fate? Destiny? Or one man's obsession with power? Macbeth is probably the most dramatic of Shakespeare's tragedies. Set in 1040, this spectacular treatment of one of the greatest works of the Bard will give you a brand new and totally fulfilling view of the sheer genius of his story telling. Witchcraft, superstition, murder - it's all here! Featuring stunning artwork, and full of action, atmosphere and intrigue from start to finish; this new graphic novel of
The Bard's wonderful tragedy will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Gateway is published by Paul Edmund Norman on the first day of each month. Hosting is by Flying Porcupine at www.flyingporcupine.com - and web design by Gateway. Submitting to Gateway: Basically, all you need do is e-mail it along and I'll consider it - it can be any length, if it's very long I'll serialise it, if it's medium-length I'll put it in as a novella, if it's a short story or a feature article it will go in as it comes. Payment is zero, I'm afraid, as I don't make any money from Gateway, I do it all for fun! For Advertising rates in Gateway please contact me at paulenorman@yahoo.co.uk Should you be kind enough to want to send me books to review, please contact me by e-mail and I will gladly forward you my home address. Meanwhile, here's how to contact me: paulenorman@yahoo.co.uk

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