The People's Bard: How China Made Shakespeare its Own: Penguin Specials

In just 125 pages Nancy Pellegrini provides fascinating insight into the remarkable (and rarely explored) role of Shakespeare in China. This is not just a love letter to Shakespeare, it's a fantastic introduction to China past and present. Prose is fluid and information is plentiful but never overdone. A must read for anyone with an interest in Shakespeare, China or both

Jemimah Steinfeld, Little Emperors and Material Girls: Youth and Sex in Modern China

Shakespeare is arguably the world’s best-known cultural icon-with universal appeal. In China, his appeal, like everything else in China, is special—and Nancy Pellegrini guides us through all the complications of culture clash, language difference and political interferences with a sure and elegant touch. Her book, as intended, is an excellent introduction to a protean topic—and for most of us may well be all that we need to know. I strongly recommend it

Alan Babington-Smith, President, The Royal Asiatic Society Beijing