Bardolatry is defined as “the idolization of William Shakespeare”. Therefore one who idolizes William Shakespeare is referred to as a “Bardolater”. Before moving on, I feel that it is necessary to define “idolize”. The definitions are
1.to regard with blind adoration, devotion, etc.
2. to worship as a god.

Now before anyone gets worried about these definitions and starts throwing The Complete Works of William Shakespeare into the fire just like their copies of Harry Potter, let me just tell you that Bardolaters do not idolize William Shakespeare in the manner of definition #2. Although I may refer to the Complete Works as my “bible”, please consult dictionary.com’s 4th definition of the word bible.

William Shakespeare was a swell guy and had some super cool things to say and some people just wanted a word to express that.

It was George Berard Shaw, in fact, who coined the word “Bardolator”. Thanks G.B. I have recently coined the word “Anti-Bardite” referring to those people who would rather stab themselves with a rusty spoon in a malaria infested bog rather than read or see Shakespeare. Fie on them.

It is my dream that one day The Complete Works of William Shakespeare will be found in every hotel room of America! And he will no longer be taught in English classes as literature, but in COMPULSORY theatre classes everywhere to truly appreciate his genius as a playwright and poet! Join me fellow Bardolaters! And drink some of this punch!

Of course that’s going a little far. Theatre classes can’t be compulsory. But Shakespeare does need to be taught with emphasis that these are plays first, not literary works. Also, when a crazy man is talking nonsense: don’t ever drink the punch.

May the Bard be with you.