Widely acknowledged to be the greatest dramatist in the English language, William Shakespeare is also one of the most quoted writers of all time. His plays and sonnets influenced the history of the English language itself, and changed the literary landscape, as famous phrases passed into idiom and general usage. The enormous impression made by Shakespeare also resulted in him being one of the most misquoted writers of all time.This short, accessible collection of quotations is illustrated with facsimile reproductions of the very first printed edition of the work in the British Library. In each case, the words are accompanied by a short description giving context and additional information. Some examples are amongst the most celebrated and familiar of all Shakespeare's lines, while others have been chosen for the importance they hold within the play or the light they throw on a particular character. The Bard in Brief is a perfect introduction to one of literature's most important figures.