Shakespeare in a Divided America: Exploring How His Plays Reflect US History and Future | Political Analysis & Literary Study | Perfect for History Buffs and Book Clubs" （注：原标题已经是英文且符合SEO规范，因此主要增加了使用场景部分）

This is an entertaining and informative read for Shakespeare nerds or U.S. History buffs. There is a trove of information, some of it quite hilarious (a critic insists Othello was white) comes to mind. Some of it genuinely surprising--that same Othello was, for generations a favorite drama of the Southern slave-owning class who were less affronted by the Moor's and Desdemona's coupling than abolitionist and prig John Q. Adams. Our 6th president concluded suffocation was what the wanton deserved. Americans apparently have always been hard to figure. Some details are just appalling--dueling performances of MacBeth once sparked riots in Manhattan leaving more than 20 dead.Shapiro's understanding of the plays and American history is extensive. Quotes and examples of dozens of plays are referenced. The author breezily covers topics including but not limited to miscegenation, immigration, class warfare, gender roles and marriage. It's an impressive accomplishment and always engaging. The author seems refreshingly free of a political agenda, while clearly having a political preference. He reasonably notes the controversial Shakespeare In The Park production of Julius Ceasar-as-Trump was always going to be problematic for liberals (do you really want to root for the assassination of a duly elected US President?) he asks?However when faux Right Rage threatens the production itself, his contempt is withering. Shapiro notes the extremists who whine most loudly about Cancel Culture are trying to "Cancel" the greatest playwright in the English language! They would censor The Bard to frustrate liberal "elitists". He documents and terrifyingly recounts the very real threats and danger to actors, producers and director. And he laments the limp and sclerotic defense by liberals and the so-called mainstream media against the attack. Steve Bannon & Co., have perfected the art of intimidation as effectively as storm troopers. Shapiro, who knows his history, reminds us it's a dangerous path. When Puritans ran the government, all theater and entertainment--Shakespeare included--was not just censored. It was cancelled altogether.Ponder that America.