Will in the World

Why people recommend it

Will in the World by Stephen Greenblatt is a renowned biographical study exploring the life of William Shakespeare and the historical, political, and cultural forces that shaped his writing. During an episode of The Daily Stoic titled Francis Ford Coppola Opens Up About How Philosophy Has Inspired His Life and Car, acclaimed filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola spoke about the volume, telling host Ryan Holiday that he found the exploration of Shakespeare incredible as they transitioned into a broader conversation about the legendary playwright and how artists find and reimagine old stories. Ryan Holiday also mentioned the book during the same discussion, highlighting Greenblatt's work while talking about Shakespeare and the ways creators draw inspiration from historical narratives. Both speakers expressed deep appreciation for the text, using it as a reference point for understanding how one of history's most celebrated authors developed his craft within a specific era of dramatic transformation and societal change.