This beautifully illustrated book about the Globe Theatre in London is a history both of how it was used in Shakespeare's time, and of its rebuilding over the past 15 years. June Everett, Artist of the Record at the Globe, commemorates the process of the theatre's reconstruction in a series of delightful watercolors. They record the detail as well as the atmosphere of the site. The paintings are accompanied by photographs, drawings, and a lively text that weaves together the two strands of Tudor history and modern rebuilding. The result is a lovely gift--a guide book and historical chronicle that will appeal to children and adults alike. Grade 5 Up-This entry about the recently reconstructed Globe Theatre features a series of watercolor sketches by Everett, artist of record for the 17-year project. Langley's text tells the story of the 16th-century Burbage family's efforts to build and establish the original Globe, while Everett's paintings of the progress of Sam Wanamaker's pursuit of a 20th-century rebuilding, combined with photographs of the project (such as a close-up of sections of the thatched roof) illuminate readers' understanding of the construction of both the old and the new theaters. Other photographs and drawings of recent productions put readers in the audience at a theater bright with richly colored tapestries, faux-marble pillars, and gold-leafed ceilings. A short appendix lists chronologies of Shakespeare's life, his plays, and the main London theaters of his time as well as information on the new Globe. Aliki's William Shakespeare & the Globe (HarperCollins, 1999) covers similar ground for a slightly younger audience. Langley's brief text, enhanced by well-chosen paintings and photos, is a solid and appealing introduction to Elizabethan theater for older readers. Sally Margolis, Barton Public Library, VT Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. "Photographs and drawings of recent productions put readers in the audience at a theater bright with richly colored tapestries, faux-marble pillars, and gold-leafed ceilings... Langley's brief text, enhanced by well-chosen paintings and photos, is a solid and appealing introduction to Elizabethan theater for older readers."-- School Library Journal (starred review) "This factual, focused and lively history is illustrated with 17 years' worth of paintings and drawings rendered by Everett, the 'Artist of the Record' for the recent renovation of the Globe Theatre... The drawings and photographs... make Elizabethan architecture and theatrical style come alive. Everett has an eye for space and detail... The prose is clear and peppered with interesting tidbits about Elizabethan life... Future architects and actors will love this thorough and appealing history, as will anyone interested in the Elizabethan age."-- Publishers Weekly "There are many books about Shakespeare's theatre, but I doubt you'll find another that approaches the subject from Langley's modern point of view.... Reads like a storybook with beautiful paintings.... This book has it all. Beautifully written, illustrated, and printed, it will be a popular resource for students of Shakespeare, architecture, history, or literature. Highly Recommended."-- Book Report (starred review) "The Bard's life and times, brilliantly brought to life in the tale of London's Globe, its past glory and remarkable reconstruction."-- Smithsonian "There's a clever parallel structure in this book about the old and new Globe theatres... This intricate relationship between and image will intrigue sophisticated readers... In addition to the theater structure itself, Langley describes theatre practices of the day showing readers what it was like onstage, backstage, and in the audience."-- Booklist "A fascinating, step-by-step look at [the rebuilding of the Globe]. Everett provides breathtaking watercolors and sketches. Just the ticket for any thespian."-- Atlanta Journal Constitution Andrew Langley is the author of Amelia Earhart, Hans Christian Andersen (both OUP, 1998) and several history books for children. He lives in England. June Everett was appointed Artist of the Record at the Globe Theatre in London by Sam Wanamaker. Her paintings have been exhibited at London's Royal Festival Hall and across England and Germany.