This map tracks performances and editions of Shakespeare in a language other than English. It’s interesting to note that his plays were actually brought to many Germanic-language speaking countries by Romance-language speaking countries. The Italians, in particular, spread Shakespeare throughout Europe through touring troupes. The emergence of translations indicates a somewhat widespread enthusiasm for his work, and so by observing this map we can track the path of Shakespeare’s influence across the continent. Romance Languages are coded in hot colors, Germanic in cool colors.
