"The Shakespeare Comic Book" version of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" presents an edited version of Shakespeare's play, retaining approximately 50 per cent of his original text. Great care has been taken by a team of English specialists to ensure that key speeches have been preserved. Where cuts have been necessary, explanatory notes allow the reader to follow plot development. Shakespeare's text is accompanied by a modern English translation so that challenging vocabulary and unintelligible passages may be easily understood. This supportive dual text approach allows even comparatively inexperienced or reluctant readers to tackle Shakespeare with confidence. Less confident readers are also supported by the comic book's cartoon format. Fully illustrated throughout, the pictures help bring the drama to life and provide important visual clues as to characters (and their emotional temperature) setting and historical background. Though the condensed text, supporting translation and highly illustrated presentation may appeal to younger, more reluctant readers or those with special needs, the comic book is also of great value to serious students. The key speeches permit thorough study, while the contemporary English ensures complete clarity of understanding. Used by schools at Key Stages 2-4, "The Comic Book A Midsummer Night's Dream" is an ideal aid for home study - especially for those studying Shakespeare for exams at SATs, GCSE and higher levels.