William Shakespeare

Light Hardcover (1 lb or less)

Florida

With Connections

A Midsummer Night's Dream

9c673039-b167-42b2-bc4c-30b6a7af20e5-1

Hamlet*

c2351f56-c1b2-4945-9878-7e99e93ad50f-1

New York

Here are the books that help teach Shakespeare plays without the teacher constantly needing to explain and define Elizabethan terms, slang, and other ways of expression that are different from our own. Each play is presented with Shakespeare's original lines on each left-hand page, and a modern, easy-to-understand "translation" on the facing right-hand page. All dramas are complete, with every original Shakespearian line, and a full-length modern rendition of the text.

Romeo and Juliet

b301992e-9672-44af-abec-a9e337cd6325-1

A Midsummer Night's Dream*

Light Paperback (1 lb or less)

Illinois

Amid a backdrop of war, conspiracy, and murder, this historical play depicts the unpopular 13th-century monarch's struggles with the English nobility as well as foreign rivals for his throne.

King John

7e020bb7-4ed2-4da0-965c-431889ae0070-1

California

Family relationships are at the center of Henry IV, Part 1. King Henry IV and Prince Hal form one major father-son pair, with Henry in despair because Hal lives a dissolute life. The father-son pair of Hotspur (Lord Henry Percy) and his father, the Earl of Northumberland, is in seeming contrast; the king envies Northumberland "his Harry," wishing he could claim the gallant Hotspur as his own. Meanwhile, Hal has entered into a quasi-father-son relationship with a disreputable but amusing knight, Sir John Falstaff.

Another strand of action centers on still more family relationships. Hotspur's stand against Henry focuses on Hotspur's brother-in-law, Mortimer. Mortimer, who fought against the Welsh magician Owen Glendower, was defeated and captured and has married Glendower's daughter. King Henry pronounces Mortimer a traitor whom he will not ransom. Hotspur, in declaring war on Henry, sees himself as fighting for Mortimer, his wife's brother.

The authoritative edition of Henry IV, Part 1 from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers, includes:

-Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play
-Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play
-Scene-by-scene plot summaries
-A key to the play's famous lines and phrases
-An introduction to reading Shakespeare's language
-An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play
-Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Library's vast holdings of rare books
-An annotated guide to further reading

Essay by Alexander Leggatt

The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs. For more information, visit Folger.edu.

Henry IV, Part 1

7cef8844-7c97-4efc-9899-170224e09152-1

In The Merchant of Venice, the path to marriage is hazardous. To win Portia, Bassanio must pass a test prescribed by her father’s will, choosing correctly among three caskets or chests. If he fails, he may never marry at all. Bassanio and Portia also face a magnificent villain, the moneylender Shylock. In creating Shylock, Shakespeare seems to have shared in a widespread prejudice against Jews. Shylock would have been regarded as a villain because he was a Jew. Yet he gives such powerful expression to his alienation due to the hatred around him that, in many productions, he emerges as the hero. Portia is most remembered for her disguise as a lawyer, Balthazar, especially the speech in which she urges Shylock to show mercy that “droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven.” The authoritative edition of The Merchant of Venice from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers, includes: -Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play -Newly revised explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play -Scene-by-scene plot summaries -A key to the play’s famous lines and phrases -An introduction to reading Shakespeare’s language -An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play -Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Library’s vast holdings of rare books -An up-to-date annotated guide to further reading Essay by Alexander Leggatt The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs. For more information, visit Folger.edu.

The Merchant of Venice

afc45a07-52fd-4928-a4fd-7b6edf8d1fe3-1

Tells of Antonio, the greatest merchant in the city of Venice.

The Merchant of Venice*

Shakespeare in Love

bbdb086f-433a-480d-8936-737345b58a5e-1

New Jersey

In Richard III, Shakespeare invites us on a moral holiday. The play draws us to identify with Richard and his fantasy of total control of self and domination of others. Not yet king at the start of the play, Richard presents himself as an enterprising villain as he successfully plans to dispose of his brother Clarence. Richard achieves similar success in conquering the woman he chooses to marry. He carves a way to the throne through assassination and executions. The authoritative edition of Richard III from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers, is now available as an ebook. Features include: · The exact text of the printed book for easy cross-reference · Hundreds of hypertext links for instant navigation · Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play · Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play · Scene-by-scene plot summaries · A key to famous lines and phrases · An introduction to reading Shakespeare’s language · Illustrations from the Folger Shakespeare Library’s vast holdings of rare books · An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play

Richard III

d1f6d9af-b25e-4abc-a9cb-fb508edcce7a-1

Delaware

The Signet Classics edition of one of William Shakespeare's greatest tragedies.

Full of cruelty and betrayal, King Learis the timeless and tragic story of a kingdom held in the thrall of an aging ruler's descent into madness. Desperate for praise, he banishes those who would guide him with honesty and surrounds himself with sycophants-an action that leads to his ultimate downfall....

This revised Signet Classics edition includes unique features such as-

. An overview of Shakespeare's life, world, and theater
.A special introduction to the play by the editor, Russell Fraser
. Selections from Raphael Holinshed's Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland, Sir Philip Sidney's Arcadia, and The True Chronicle History of King Lear, the sources from which Shakespeare derived King Lear
. Dramatic criticism from Samuel Johnson, A. C. Bradley, John Russell Brown, and others
. A comprehensive stage and screen history of notable actors, directors, and productions
. Text, notes, and commentaries printed in the clearest, most readable text
. And more...

King Lear

c665eca1-6f27-4fa6-b5eb-2a1e72021541-1

CD Included 

The Sourcebooks Shakespeare brings the Shakespeare page to life. This remarkable edition of Romeo & Juliet is both the easiest way to understand the play and the best way to experience the full power and depth of the play.

This dynamic book includes an integrated audio CD that showcases key scenes from great performances past and present. You'll experience the play like never before-it's the next best thing to seeing the play performed live.

Each book offers:
* The full play, with line notes and a concurrent glossary
* Scholars and theatre producers discussing the play and popular culture
* Comments from every cast member of a current production.

This is also a very visual text, including:
* Photographs from great performances
* Costume designs and set renderings from different productions
* Production notes that take you inside the stage experience

Exclusive to The Sourcebooks Shakespeare and like no other edition of Romeo & Juliet, our audio CD and unique focus on the play as performed on the stage and on film brings the play to life.

Hear:
* Ellen Terry from 1911
* The Renaissance Theatre production with Kenneth Branagh, Sir Jon Gielgud and Dame Judi Dench
* Modern scenes with Kate Beckinsale and Joseph Fiennes

Read:
* About the 1811 production in Covent Garden, London
* And see how the Chicago Shakespeare Theater's 2005 cast approaches the play

See:
* Page facsimiles from the Garrick-Kemble text from the late 1700s
* Costume designs and set renderings from Sir John Gielgud's 1935 production
* Photographs from Romeo + Juliet directed by Baz Luhrmann

Narrated by: Sir Derek Jacobi



Iowa

Much Ado About Nothing includes two quite different stories of romantic love. Hero and Claudio fall in love almost at first sight, but an outsider, Don John, strikes out at their happiness. Beatrice and Benedick are kept apart by pride and mutual antagonism until others decide to play Cupid.

The authoritative edition of Much Ado About Nothing from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers, includes:

-Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play

-Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play

-Scene-by-scene plot summaries

-A key to the play's famous lines and phrases

-An introduction to reading Shakespeare's language

-An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play

-Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Library's vast holdings of rare books

-An annotated guide to further reading

Essay by Gail Kern Paster

The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs. For more information, visit Folger.edu.

Much Ado about Nothing

fcbe88f1-d302-4cf6-a576-c8ab5f201c80

Offers explanatory notes on pages facing the text of the play, as well as an introduction to Shakespeare's language, life, and theater

Hamlet

f92a28a3-4120-4cad-b293-16c8e4129957-1

This edition of one of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies features a freshly edited text of the play, scene-by-scene explanatory notes, a key to famous lines and phrases, and much more. Reissue.

Authentic Play by William Shakespeare

This mesmerizing play by Shakespeare details Caesar's death at the hands of friends and fellow politicians. Most writers disagreed over the assassination. Some see Brutus, the leading conspirator, as a hero while others think of him as a villain. Shakespeare's play keeps this debate alive.William Shakespeare was born in April 1564 in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, on England's Avon River. When he was eighteen, he married Anne Hathaway. The couple had three children-an older daughter Susanna and twins, Judith and Hamnet. Hamnet, Shakespeare's only son, died in childhood. The bulk of Shakespeare's working life was spent in the theatre world of London, where he established himself professionally by the early 1590s. He enjoyed success not only as a playwright and poet but also as an actor and shareholder in an acting company. Although some think that sometime between 1610 and 1613 Shakespeare retired from the theatre and returned home to Stratford, where he died in 1616, others believe that he may have continued to work in London until close to his death.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar

ef28f0f6-44ed-41ac-932e-1387900ad2c2-1

Named for the twelfth night after Christmas, the end of the Christmas season, Twelfth Night plays with love and power. The Countess Olivia, a woman with her own household, attracts Duke (or Count) Orsino. Two other would-be suitors are her pretentious steward, Malvolio, and Sir Andrew Aguecheek.

Onto this scene arrive the twins Viola and Sebastian; caught in a shipwreck, each thinks the other has drowned. Viola disguises herself as a male page and enters Orsino's service. Orsino sends her as his envoy to Olivia--only to have Olivia fall in love with the messenger. The play complicates, then wonderfully untangles, these relationships.

The authoritative edition of Twelfth Night from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers, includes:

-Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play

-Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play

-Scene-by-scene plot summaries

-A key to the play's famous lines and phrases

-An introduction to reading Shakespeare's language

-An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play

-Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Library's vast holdings of rare books

-An annotated guide to further reading

Essay by Catherine Belsey

The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs. For more information, visit Folger.edu.

Twelfth Night

7db65333-b4a6-405c-ac47-e72f82ec97b6-1

Missouri

Background information about Shakespeare, Elizabethan theater, and the text accompany his play about unrequited love and mistaken identity.

Browse by categories

Save this search

William Shakespeare

A Midsummer Night's Dream

William Shakespeare

A Midsummer Night's Dream

William Shakespeare

A Midsummer Night's Dream

William Shakespeare

A Midsummer Night's Dream

William Shakespeare

A Midsummer Night's Dream

William Shakespeare

Hamlet*

William Shakespeare

Romeo and Juliet

William Shakespeare

A Midsummer Night's Dream*

William Shakespeare

Hamlet*

William Shakespeare

King John

William Shakespeare

Henry IV, Part 1

William Shakespeare

The Merchant of Venice

William Shakespeare

The Merchant of Venice*

William Shakespeare

Shakespeare in Love

William Shakespeare

Richard III

William Shakespeare

King Lear

William Shakespeare

Romeo and Juliet

William Shakespeare

Much Ado about Nothing

William Shakespeare

Hamlet

William Shakespeare

A Midsummer Night's Dream

William Shakespeare

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar

William Shakespeare

Twelfth Night

William Shakespeare

Richard III

William Shakespeare

Twelfth Night