This book's title doesn't even come close to expressing its entertainment value for Shakespeare fans. You'll find everything from a list of all 70 words Shakespeare used to describe the male genitalia to the 80 words that most often confuse modern readers. Indispensable fun.

Watch this version after viewing the Polanski version. With its minimalist set and modern costuming, this production is more demanding, but the performances by McKellen and Dench are unsurpassed. You'll want to leave the lights on as you watch; this is truly a horror story.

Watch this version after seeing the Zeffirelli production. Set in Verona Beach, California, Luhrman's film fuses Shakespeare's language with the violence of modern corporate gangsters. The film is fast and furious, infused with what sometimes feels like a magic realist style. The result does not please everyone, but DiCaprio and Danes both give strong performances.

Greenblatt has been faulted for taking speculation too far, but his exploration of the possible forces and influences that shaped Shakespeare make for insightful, satisfying reading.

Why oh why did this series have to end? The third season was astounding. You'll never see King Lear the same way again. Every Shakespeare fan should own this series.

This is the place to start if you have never seen Taming before. The production is set in Renaissance Italy, and the performances by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton are unforgettable.

Most of my students had seen this movie but did not realize that it was based on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. Although few teachers will have time to show the entire film in class, it beautifully demonstrates the universality of Shakespeare's themes and provides a terrific extra credit assignment.

This is the second 12th Night production to see. Purists will prefer this version, though it lacks the high quality soundtrack and editing of the Trevor Nunn film. Still, the acting is strong throughout and this production will provide unique insights.

For those new to Shakespeare's work, this is a terrific place to begin. Branagh's production is joyous, accessible, and thoroughly Shakespearean. Branagh and Thompson are Beatrice and Benedict at their most lovable, and knowing that the two actors were married at the time adds to the magic.

Branagh did not cut a single line from the bard's great play when he produced this four-hour version of Hamlet. The production is insightful, the acting powerful, but this version is not for the beginner.

If you are seeing Othello for the first time, this is a great place to start. Insightful, accessible production. Branagh provides a powerful introduction to Iago, one of the world's great villains.

This is a must-have for Shakespeare lovers. Garber offers commentary on most all of Shakespeare's plays, providing insights into their historical context and poetic elements.