Book Review Summary: How to Think like Shakespeare: Lessons from a Renaissance Education (Skills for Scholars)

Introduction

"How to Think like Shakespeare: Lessons from a Renaissance Education" by Scott L. Newstok is a captivating exploration of the craft of thought, shedding light on enduring practices that can make learning more creative and pleasurable. This book challenges contemporary educational trends and offers a refreshing perspective on the value of mental play, creativity, autonomy, innovation, and freedom. In this article, we will delve into the author's background, analyze the book's views, discuss the reasons for recommending it, and provide a conclusion.

About Scott L. Newstok

Scott L. Newstok is a professor of English at the University of Dallas, where he teaches courses on literature, writing, and rhetoric. He holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Pennsylvania and has published numerous articles and essays on Shakespeare, literature, and education. As an accomplished scholar and educator, Newstok brings his expertise and passion for the Renaissance era to this book, offering readers valuable insights into the habits of mind that shaped great minds like Shakespeare.

Analysis of Views

1. Mental Play Emerges Through Work: Newstok emphasizes the importance of engaging in mental play through hard work, creativity through imitation, and autonomy through tradition. He argues that these practices nurtured a mind like Shakespeare's and can benefit readers today.
2. Creativity Through Imitation: The author highlights the value of learning through imitation, as it allowed Shakespeare and other writers to develop their craft. By emulating great works, readers can gain insights into the art of writing and enhance their own skills.
3. Autonomy Through Tradition: Newstok stresses the importance of having a shared cultural heritage, or a common store of knowledge, that allows individuals to engage in meaningful conversations and learn from one another. This sense of tradition fosters autonomy and helps create a foundation for intellectual growth.
4. Innovation Through Constraint: Constraints such as form or genre can serve as catalysts for innovation, as they challenge writers to think outside the box and experiment with new approaches. Shakespeare's use of sonnet form, for example, demonstrates how constraints can lead to creative breakthroughs.
5. Freedom Through Discipline: While freedom is essential for creativity and innovation, discipline is equally important in maintaining focus and ensuring that ideas are developed to their fullest potential. Newstok encourages readers to find a balance between freedom and discipline in their learning journey.
6. The Value of Quotations: The book is filled with profound and apt quotations from authors throughout history, many of them unfamiliar to readers. These quotes enliven the text and serve as powerful reminders of the importance of paying attention, being present in the moment, and considering multiple perspectives.
7. A Defense of Classical Education: "How to Think like Shakespeare" offers a progressive defense of classical education, emphasizing the value of the Great Conversation and the liberal arts. The author argues that a renewed focus on these disciplines can help students develop critical thinking skills and foster intellectual growth.
8. A Pleasant and Engaging Reading Experience: Despite its erudite nature, the book is accessible and engaging to readers from various backgrounds. Newstok's writing style is clever and witty, making it enjoyable to read even for those who may not be familiar with Shakespeare or the Renaissance era.
9. A Call to Slow Down: The book encourages readers to slow down and pay attention to each word and line, as it explores the power of language and how words have changed over time. It challenges readers to reflect on their own learning experiences and consider how they can cultivate habits of mind that enhance their thinking and writing abilities.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Enduring Practices for Creative Learning: "How to Think like Shakespeare" offers practical insights into enduring practices that can help readers think more deeply, write more effectively, and learn more joyfully. By incorporating these habits into their learning journey, readers can unlock their full potential and enhance their intellectual growth.
2. Challenging Contemporary Educational Trends: The book challenges contemporary educational trends that prioritize superficially impressive technology, STEM classes, and standardized testing over the liberal arts and classic teaching methods that foster critical thinking skills. By offering a refreshing perspective on education, it encourages readers to reconsider their approach to learning.
3. Engaging Writing Style: Scott L. Newstok's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow along with his arguments and appreciate the beauty of language. His clever wit adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience.
4. Timeless Insights into Thinking: The book provides timeless insights into thinking that are relevant not only to educators but also to anyone interested in personal growth and intellectual development. By exploring the habits of mind that shaped great minds like Shakespeare, it offers readers valuable lessons that can be applied in various aspects of life.
5. Inspiration for Homeschooling Parents: Parents who homeschool their children may find inspiration in "How to Think like Shakespeare," as it offers a defense of classical education and encourages parents to prioritize the development of critical thinking skills in their children's education. The book provides a framework for cultivating habits of mind that can enhance learning experiences both in traditional classrooms and at home.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Limited Focus on Shakespeare's Education: While the book provides valuable insights into traditional educational values and practices, some readers may feel that it does not delve deeply enough into Shakespeare's actual educational experiences or offer specific details about his training as a writer. However, it makes up for this by offering a wealth of quotations from Shakespeare and other authors throughout history.
2. Quotation-Heavy Content: Some readers may find the book's reliance on quotations overwhelming or feel that it detracts from the author's original message at times. While these quotes are certainly enriching, they may be overwhelming for those who prefer more straightforward exposition or who find themselves easily distracted by lengthy quotations.

Conclusion

"How to Think like Shakespeare: Lessons from a Renaissance Education" by Scott L. Newstok is a thought-provoking exploration of the habits of mind that shaped great minds like Shakespeare's. Through its engaging writing style, profound quotations, and timeless insights into thinking, this book offers readers practical guidance on how to cultivate creative learning habits that enhance their intellectual growth. While some readers may find it challenging or prefer a more straightforward approach, its value lies in its ability to inspire reflection on education, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Whether you are an educator seeking to reconsider your approach or a curious reader looking for a fresh perspective on learning, this book is sure to provide valuable insights that will resonate with you long after you finish reading it.