Boyce has delivered a masterful and brilliant cornucopia covering nearly every aspect of the Bard of Avon's works, life, and words. Virtually every particular that had relevance in Shakespeare's time is included, as well as a good many entries related to the performance of his works since then, such as many prominent actors. Biographical sketches are provided for all of the Bard's known relatives, not to mention his friends, associates, and sycophants. A host of theatrical terms are included for the convenience of the reader. The only thing this book has more of than breadth is depth.
Every quotation is followed by a citation giving the exact line.
Even the briefest entries are cross-referenced to something else. It is this feature that makes the book so addicting. The only item that seems to be missing is an MMPI profile of each of the characters. The synopses of the plays are well done. Boyce's are exactly on point, assuming the reader knows nothing, and following with a massive amount of information.