<p>A New York Times Notable Book of 2020<br><br><br>Shakespeare's position as England's national poet is established and unquestionable.<br><br><br>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 England's greatest writer? Especially when his works enact so many of America's darkest night...