if u want to have a shield of 40+ do everything below change ur game difficulty on the gameplay options on the option screen when u hit start then go through at least 7 oblivion gates and check every mob u have killed for their armour set they should have the following deadric curisass boots and greaves maybe gaunlets that will have ur shiled to at least 35 maybe 40 but if u want a sheild of 52 get access to the arcane univeristy go to the libraury segment of it place oan the altar an item that has a shield enhancement along with cruisass and greaves and any shield or sword and make sure to put an amulet and ring on it also and ur shield will be over 60 if done correctly if not then u have done an error in the process the item that has the enhancement make sure its enhancement is at least 15 to 20%