Bard of Avon, national poet, scourge of schoolchildren - 23 April 2014 marks the 450th anniversary of the birth of perhaps the most celebrated, studied and influential writer of all time: William Shakespeare.

To mark the happy occasion, we're offering 50% off the Shakespeare books:

• Performing Shakespeare by Oliver Ford Davies
• The Quality of Mercy by Peter Brook
• Shakespeare's Lost Play by Gregory Doran
• Shakespeare on Stage by Julian Curry
• Shakespeare on Theatre, compiled by Nick de Somogyi
• Speaking the Speech by Giles Block
• Sweet William by Michael Pennington
• Year of the King by Antony Sher

Written by some of today's leading actors, directors and scholars, they are worthy guides to this genius' work.

To take advantage of the offer, just enter the code SHAKESPEARE450 at checkout. The offer is valid until Sunday 4 May. For more information, visit the dedicated page.