Easton Press William Shakespeare books
A Midsummer Night's Dream - The Collector's Library of Famous Editions - 1967
The Comedies - 100 Greatest Books Ever Written - 2008
Midsummer Night's Dream - 100 Greatest Books Ever Written - 2008
Romeo and Juliet - 100 Greatest Books Ever Written - 2008
The Complete Works in 39 Volumes, including titles:
King Lear
Titus Andronicus
Twelfth Night
The Taming of the Shrew
The Comedy of Errors
Much Ado About Nothing
Anthony and Cleopatra
The Tempest
Timon of Athens
Julius Caesar
Troilus and Cressida
As You Like It
Macbeth
All's Well That Ends Well
The Two Gentlemen of Verona
The Winter's Tale
Coriolanus
The Merchant of Venice
Pericles
Othello
Measure for Measure
King John
A Midsummer Nights Dream
Romeo and Juliet
The Poems of William Shakespeare I
The Poems of William Shakespeare II
Cymbeline
Hamlet
Love's Labour's Lost
The Merry Wives of Windsor
Henry the Fourth I
Henry the Fourth II
Henry the Fifth
Henry the Sixth I
Henry the Sixth II
Henry the Sixth III
Henry the Eighth
Richard the Second
Richard the Third
Shakespeare of London - Marchette Chute - 1988
Tales From Shakespeare - Charles and Mary Lamb - 1996
Franklin Library William Shakespeare books
Six Tragedies - 100 Greatest Books of All Time - 1975Works of William Shakespeare - Great Books of the Western World - seven volumes 1978 to 1983
Poems - World's Best Loved Books - 1980
Poems - 100 Greatest Books of All Time - 1980
Six Histories - 100 Greatest Books of All Time - 1981
Six Tragedies - World's Best Loved Books - 1982
Seven Comedies - World's Best Loved Books - 1983
William Shakespeare biography
William Shakespeare (April 1564; baptised April 26, 1564 – April 23, 1616 (O.S.), May 3, 1616 (N.S.)), English poet and playwright, has a reputation as the greatest of all writers in the English language and in Western literature, as well as one of the world's pre-eminent dramatists.Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, England, in April 1564, the son of John Shakespeare, a successful tradesman, and of Mary Arden, a daughter of the gentry. His baptismal record dates to April 26 of that year. Because baptisms were performed within a few days of birth, tradition has settled on April 23 as his birthday. It provides a convenient symmetry: he died on that day in 1616, and perhaps appropriately for a playwright commonly considered to be England's greatest, it is also the Feast Day of Saint George, the patron saint of England.
Shakespeare's father, prosperous at the time of William's birth, was prosecuted for participating in the black market in wool, and later lost his position as an alderman. Some evidence pointed to possible Roman Catholic sympathies on both sides of the family.
As the son of a prominent town official, William Shakespeare probably attended the Stratford grammar school, which may have provided an intensive education in Latin grammar and literature. The quality of Elizabethian-era grammar schools was uneven. It is presumed that the young Shakespeare attended this school, since he was entitled to, although this cannot be confirmed because the school's records have not survived. There is no evidence that his formal education extended beyond grammar school.
Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, eight years his senior, on November 28, 1582 at Temple Grafton, near Stratford. Two neighbours of Anne, Fulk Sandalls and John Richardson, posted bond that there were no impediments to the marriage. There appears to have been some haste in arranging the ceremony: Anne was three months pregnant. After his marriage, William Shakespeare left few traces in the historical record until he appeared on the London literary scene.
On May 26, 1583 Shakespeare's first child, Susanna, was baptised at Stratford. A son, Hamnet, and a daughter, Judith, were baptised soon after on February 2, 1585.
By 1592 Shakespeare had enough of a reputation for Robert Greene to denounce him as "an upstart Crow, beautified with our feathers, that with his Tygers hart wrapt in a Players hyde, supposes he is as well able to bombast out a blanke verse as the best of you: and beeing an absolute Johannes factotum, is in his owne conceit the onely Shake-scene in a countrey." (The italicised line parodies the phrase, "Oh, tiger's heart wrapped in a woman's hide" which Shakespeare wrote in Henry VI, part 3.)
In 1596 Hamnet died; he was buried on August 11, 1596. Some suspect that his death was part of the inspiration behind The Tragical History of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark (c.1601), a reworking of an older, lost play (possibly Danish play Amleth or Thomas Kyd).
By 1598 Shakespeare had moved to the parish of St. Helen's, Bishopsgate, and appeared at the top of a list of actors in Every man in his Humour written by Ben Jonson.
Shakespeare became an actor, writer and finally part-owner of a playing company, known as The Lord Chamberlain's Men — the company took its name, like others of the period, from its aristocratic sponsor, the Lord Chamberlain. The group became popular enough that after the death of Elizabeth I and the coronation of James I (1603), the new monarch adopted the company and it became known as the King's Men.
In 1604, Shakespeare acted as a matchmaker for his landlord's daughter. Legal documents from 1612, when the case was brought to trial, show that in 1604, Shakespeare was a tenant of Christopher Mountjoy, a Huguenot tire-maker (a maker of ornamental headdresses) in the northwest of London. Mountjoy's apprentice Stephen Belott wanted to marry Mountjoy's daughter. Shakespeare was enlisted as a go-between, to help negotiate the details of the dowry. On Shakespeare's assurances, the couple married. Eight years later, Belott sued his father-in-law for delivering only part of the dowry. Shakespeare was called to testify, but remembered little of the circumstances.
Various documents recording legal affairs and commercial transactions show that Shakespeare grew rich enough during his stay in London years to buy a property in Blackfriars, London and own the second-largest house in Stratford, New Place.
In 1609 his sonnets were published, likely without his approval. In the Sonnets, love poems were addressed to two persons: most to a youth (or 'fair lord'); the remainder to a 'dark lady'. Some regard the former set as being homoerotic, but that characterization remains in debate.
Shakespeare retired in about 1611. His retirement was not entirely without controversy. He was drawn into a legal quarrel regarding the enclosure of common lands. (Enclosure enabled land to be converted to pasture for sheep, but removed it as a resource for the poor.) Shakespeare had a financial interest in the land, and to the chagrin of some, he took a neutral position, making sure only that his own income from the land was protected.
In the last few weeks of Shakespeare's life, the man who was to marry his younger daughter Judith - a tavern-keeper named Thomas Quiney - was charged in the local church court with "fornication." A woman named Margaret Wheeler had given birth to a child and claimed it was Quiney's; she and the child both died soon after. Quiney was disgraced, and Shakespeare revised his will to ensure that Judith's interest in his estate was protected from possible malfeasance on Quiney's part.
Shakespeare died in 1616, on April 23. He remained married to Anne until his death and was survived by his two daughters Susannah and Judith. Susannah married Dr John Hall.
Shakespeare is buried in the chancel of Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon. He was granted the honour of burial in the chancel not on account of his fame as a playwright, but for purchasing a share of the tithe of the church for £440 (a considerable sum of money at the time). A bust of him placed by his family on the wall nearest his grave shows him posed as writing. Each year on his claimed birthday, a new quill pen is placed in the writing hand of the bust.
It was common in his time for graves in the chancel of the church to later be emptied with the contents removed to a nearby charnel house as more room was needed. Possibly fearing that his body would be removed, he was considered to have written an epitaph on his tombstone:
Good friend, for Jesus' sake forbear,
To dig the dust enclosed here.
Blest be the man that spares these stones,
But cursed be he that moves my bones.
Popular legend claims that unpublished works by Shakespeare may lie inside his tomb, but no one has ever verified these claims, perhaps for fear of the curse included in the quoted epitaph.
Shakespeare's literary achievement is not confined to his mastery of the poetic and dramatic form; his ability to capture and convey the most profound aspects of human nature is considered by many scholars to be unequalled, due to his understanding of the range and depth of human emotions. A colossal figure in world literature, Shakespeare's legacy and influence continues to be felt in all parts of the globe. He has been translated into every major living language, and his plays are continually performed all around the world. Shakespeare is among the very few playwrights who have excelled in both tragedy and comedy.
Shakespeare wrote his works between 1588 and 1616, although the exact dates and chronology of the plays attributed to him are often uncertain. His prolific output is especially impressive in light of the fact that he lived only 52 years.
Many historians agree that William Shakespeare1—actor, playwright, and poet—was one individual whose life can be mapped out through the study of considerable historical evidence.
Shakespeare's influence on the English-speaking world shows in the widespread use of quotations from Shakespearean plays, the titles of works based on Shakespearean phrases, and the many adaptations of his works.
Hamlet
Hamlet is one of his most famous tragedies, believed to have been written between 1599 and 1601. The play follows Prince Hamlet of Denmark as he grapples with grief, revenge, and the complexities of human existence. After his father, the King, dies under suspicious circumstances and his mother quickly marries his uncle, Hamlet is visited by the ghost of his father, who reveals that he was murdered by his brother, Claudius. Haunted by his father's ghostly command to avenge his death, Hamlet embarks on a journey of deception and moral conflict, feigning madness to uncover the truth and bring justice to his family. As the plot unfolds, Hamlet's internal struggles lead to a series of tragic events, ultimately culminating in a climactic and devastating conclusion that leaves few survivors. Hamlet is celebrated for its exploration of themes such as madness, mortality, and the nature of truth, as well as its complex characters and timeless insights into the human condition.
Hamlet is celebrated for its exploration of themes such as revenge, madness, and the uncertainty of existence. Shakespeare's masterful use of language, complex characters, and intricate plot have made the play a cornerstone of Western literature and a source of inspiration for countless adaptations and interpretations. Through Hamlet's introspective journey and his iconic soliloquies, the play delves into the depths of the human psyche, offering timeless insights into the complexities of the human condition.
Macbeth
Macbeth is a compelling tale of ambition, power, and moral downfall. Set in Scotland, it tells the story of Macbeth, a brave and loyal general who receives a prophecy from three witches that he will one day become king. Encouraged by his ambitious wife, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth is consumed by the desire for power and sets out on a path of treachery and murder to fulfill the prophecy. As he ascends to the throne through deceit and violence, Macbeth's guilt and paranoia grow, leading to a descent into madness and self-destruction. The play explores themes of fate, ambition, guilt, and the corrupting influence of unchecked ambition. Macbeth remains one of Shakespeare's most enduring and widely performed works, renowned for its vivid characters, atmospheric setting, and timeless exploration of the human psyche.
This shocking tragedy (a
violent caution to those seeking power for its own sake) is, to this
day, one of Shakespeare’s most popular and influential masterpieces.
Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet is a tragic play written around 1595. Set in Verona, Italy, it tells the story of two young lovers from feuding families, the Montagues and the Capulets, whose romance ultimately ends in tragedy. The play begins with a street brawl between members of the two households, setting the stage for the deep-seated animosity between the families. Despite the ongoing feud, Romeo Montague attends a Capulet ball in disguise, where he meets and falls in love with Juliet Capulet. Their instant connection leads to a whirlwind romance, and they secretly marry the next day. However, their happiness is short-lived as tensions between their families escalate. Romeo is banished from Verona for killing Juliet's cousin Tybalt in a duel. To avoid an arranged marriage to another man, Juliet takes a potion that simulates death, planning to reunite with Romeo once she awakens. However, Romeo, unaware of the plan, believes Juliet is truly dead and takes his own life beside her.
When Juliet awakens to find Romeo dead, she takes her own life in grief. Their tragic deaths finally reconcile the feuding families, but at a heartbreaking cost.
Romeo and Juliet is renowned for its exploration of themes such as love, fate, and the consequences of violence. Shakespeare's poetic language, complex characters, and poignant storytelling have ensured its enduring popularity and status as one of the greatest love stories ever told.
The Tempest
The Tempest, believed to be one of William Shakespeare's final plays, is a captivating tale of magic, betrayal, and redemption. Set on a remote island, the story follows Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, who has been exiled and marooned with his daughter Miranda by his treacherous brother Antonio. Using his mastery of the mystical arts, Prospero conjures a tempest that shipwrecks his enemies, including Antonio, onto the island. Through a series of enchantments and manipulations, Prospero seeks to restore his rightful place and orchestrate the union of his daughter with Ferdinand, the son of Alonso, King of Naples. Alongside these central characters are the island's other inhabitants: the ethereal spirit Ariel and the monstrous Caliban, whose complex relationships with Prospero add depth and intrigue to the narrative.
The Tempest explores themes of power, forgiveness, and the transformative power of art. As the play unfolds, characters confront their past wrongdoings and grapple with questions of identity and agency. Ultimately, The Tempest concludes with a resolution that is both poignant and redemptive, highlighting Shakespeare's masterful storytelling and profound insights into the human condition.
King Lear
King Lear, one of William Shakespeare's greatest tragedies, delves into the themes of power, family, and madness. The play centers around the aging King Lear's decision to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on their declarations of love for him. However, when his youngest and most beloved daughter, Cordelia, refuses to flatter him with false declarations, Lear banishes her, setting off a chain of events that leads to chaos and tragedy. As Lear's mental state deteriorates, he becomes increasingly vulnerable to the machinations of his deceitful older daughters, Goneril and Regan, ultimately leading to his downfall and the destruction of his entire family.
Throughout King Lear, Shakespeare explores the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of pride and folly. The play's rich language, intricate plot, and unforgettable characters, including the loyal Earl of Kent, the scheming Edmund, and the Fool, provide a compelling exploration of power dynamics and the fragility of human nature. King Lear remains a timeless masterpiece, celebrated for its profound insights into the human condition and its enduring relevance across generations.
Othello
Othello is a gripping tale of jealousy, manipulation, and betrayal. Set against the backdrop of Venetian society, the play follows the noble Moorish general Othello, who elopes with the beautiful Desdemona, much to the displeasure of her father, Brabantio. Their happiness is short-lived, however, as the conniving ensign Iago sets out to destroy Othello's life out of spite and envy. Through a web of deceit and deception, Iago poisons Othello's mind with false suspicions of Desdemona's infidelity, leading to a tragic chain of events that culminates in devastating consequences for all involved. Othello is a timeless exploration of the destructive power of jealousy and the vulnerability of trust, showcasing Shakespeare's unparalleled talent for crafting compelling characters and exploring the depths of the human soul.A Midsummer Night's Dream
A Midsummer Night's Dream, a comedy by William Shakespeare, is a whimsical tale of love, magic, and mischief set in ancient Athens and the enchanted forest. The play intertwines the stories of several groups of characters: the Athenian nobleman Theseus and his bride Hippolyta; Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius, and Helena, caught in a tangled love quadrangle; and a group of amateur actors led by the hapless Bottom. When the mischievous fairy Puck intervenes with a love potion, chaos ensues as romantic affections are altered and confusion reigns. Amidst the magical interventions and humorous misunderstandings, the play explores themes of love's irrationality, the fickleness of desire, and the transformative power of imagination. A Midsummer Night's Dream captivates audiences with its enchanting blend of romance, comedy, and fantastical elements, showcasing Shakespeare's ability to craft captivating stories filled with wit, humor, and whimsy. William Shakespeare quotes
"To be, or not to be, that is the question." - Hamlet
"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players." - As You Like It
"Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none." - All's Well That Ends Well
"The course of true love never did run smooth." - A Midsummer Night's Dream
"If music be the food of love, play on." - Twelfth Night
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." - Romeo and Juliet
"The better part of valor is discretion." - Henry IV, Part 1
"All that glisters is not gold." - The Merchant of Venice
"Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once." - Julius Caesar
"We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep." - The Tempest
Source and additional information: William Shakespeare