Literature: Learning at Home

William Shakespeare, the Bard

Known as one of the greatest writers in the English language, William Shakespeare’s impressive contributions to literature, poetry, and drama make him a universally prominent figure. His emotional works are easily adapted around the world, showcasing his global appeal to audiences everywhere.

  • Stratford-Upon-Avon: Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and tour the half-timbered Tudor family home which was built in 1564. From there, visit Shottery, where you can tour Shakespeare’s wife Anne Hathaway’s thatched farmhouse cottage.
  • The Globe Theatre: Did you know that almost all of Shakespeare’s plays were written with the Globe Theatre in mind? Take a virtual tour of The Globe and catch a free theatrical production of Macbeth.
  • Play the Knave: Design your very own virtual production and perform lines from a famous Shakespeare play with this mixed reality game.
The Harry Potter Series

Fantasy, drama, thriller, adventure, horror, romance, and coming of age: Welcome to the wonderful world of Harry Potter! Spanning seven books with more than 500 million copies sold worldwide, the Harry Potter series is an undeniable global phenomenon. Immerse yourself in the magical world and learn about some of the real-world influences found in the popular stories.

  • 10 Ways Portugal Inspired the Magic of Harry Potter: Learn how the people and places of Portugal inspired J.K. Rowling in creating her magical realm.
  • A History of Magic: Discover five fascinating artifacts showcasing the folkloric heritage that inspired this series.
  • HP in the UK: Bring the movies to life and check out this walking tour of different filming locations in London and Edinburgh.
  • Harry Potter at Home: Looking for a bedtime story? Watch various celebrities read chapters from the series, or listen to a HP-themed podcast, instead.
Writers of the Lost Generation

Following the First World War, many writers such as James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald, T.S. Eliot, Ezra Pound, Gertrude Stein, and D. H. Lawrence migrated to Europe, where the bohemian lifestyle appealed to their creative souls.

  • Footsteps in Paris: Many of the Lost Generation’s favourite Parisian haunts in still exist. Learn more about the places these great writers found inspiration.
  • Shakespeare and Company Bookstore: Silvia Beach opened the original Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris in 1919. It was a common meeting place for the Lost Generation writers; unfortunately, the bookstore closed in 1941 during the German occupation and never re-opened. The second version of the store was opened in 1951 by George Whitman. It was originally called Le Mistral, but was renamed Shakespeare and Company in 1964 as a tribute to Beach. Learn more about the impressive history of this bookstore and take a walk through its shelves.
  • Pere-Lachaise Cemetery: Few places in the world host more prominent literary figures than the 109 acres of the Pere-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. Among those buried on these grounds are Honore de Blazax, Gertrude Stein, Marcel Proust, and Oscar Wilde, whose tombstone is coated with lipstick from the kisses of thousands of admirers.
  • One of the most famous Lost Generation writers was Ernest Hemingway, who spent his later years in Cuba. There, you can find some of Hemingway’s favourite spots, take a tour of his home and museum, or catch the ghost of Hemingway lingering throughout Havana.
Famous Children’s Books

Have you ever wondered if your favourite children’s stories are based in truth? Explore these links to learn more about these beloved authors and the influences their upbringing had on their works.