Fools and Mortals

A Novel

By: Bernard Cornwell

Narrated by: Thomas Judd

New York Times best-selling author Bernard Cornwell makes a dramatic departure with this enthralling, action-packed stand-alone novel that tells the story of the first production of A Midsummer Night's Dream - as related by William Shakespeare's estranged younger brother.

Lord, what fools these mortals be....

In the heart of Elizabethan England, Richard Shakespeare dreams of a glittering career in one of the London playhouses, a world dominated by his older brother, William. But he is a penniless actor, making ends meet through a combination of a beautiful face, petty theft, and a silver tongue. As William's star rises, Richard's onetime gratitude is souring, and he is sorely tempted to abandon family loyalty.

So when a priceless manuscript goes missing, suspicion falls upon Richard, forcing him onto a perilous path through a bawdy and frequently brutal London. Entangled in a high-stakes game of duplicity and betrayal that threatens not only his career and potential fortune but also the lives of his fellow players, Richard has to call on all he has now learned from the brightest stages and the darkest alleyways of the city. To avoid the gallows, he must play the part of a lifetime....

Showcasing the superb storytelling skill that has won Bernard Cornwell international renown, Fools and Mortals is a richly portrayed tour de force that brings to life a vivid world of intricate stagecraft, fierce competition, and consuming ambition.

©2018 Bernard Cornwell (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Fools and Mortals

an unexpected delight...much better than expected...do a sequel...I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would...

Great Story, Great Narrator 👍 👏

Quite a departure for Bernard Cornwell, and quite wonderful. Corwell never disapoints and Judd is thevperfect teller of the tale.

Creative blend of Shakespeare and history makes a great story

Normally Bernard Cornwell tells the reader in a postscript exactly where and how he adjusted facts and modified history to help his story along. However, in the Audible version, this section was not read so I don’t have a reference for what actually happened back in the day. No matter, the story was fantastic! The use of Shakespearean poetry throughout the story and the details of London life and Shakespeare’s family inject a unique degree of sophistication into Mr. Cornwell’s latest masterful story. Incredibly entertaining especially for those who love classical literature.

Different story for Cornwall

A greatly different story from one of our great writers of accurate, battle related, historical fiction. This is the story of young Will Shakespeare and his pursuit of a career in late 16th century London. It was great fun, and Cornwall does his usual excellent job of describing the times and the people in it.

Curious departure

This was a curious departure from Cornwell's usual action focus but true to his historical novel genre.

A Wonderful Historical Novel of Shakespeare

Absolutely loved it. A marked departure from his usual (and also fabuous) military historicals. Read it!

Shakespear Up Close and Personal

Very different from the many battle stories I've read by Cornwell. Set in the 16th century, it takes a close look at life in the London theater of the time from the perspective of the bard's younger brother. A delightful "listen" that grows on you as it goes on. Narrator was subtle but effective doing the voices. It inspires me to go back and reread A Midsummer Night's Dream with a different lens.

Sadly uncompelling

Bernard Cornwell is by far my favorite author. I found this one a big disappointment. The sort didn’t capture me the way his other works do. It was uninspiring and dull.

Cornwell does it again.

Robert Cornwell is a master. When teamed with the narration of Jonathan Keeble, he is sublime. This is a fun story dealing with Shakespeare in a way you would never think of. What a fun book.

Great narration

This was a surprisingly engaging listen. A good mixture of fiction in history. The narration was fantastic. Really good accents and voices.