Books by William Shakespeare

Richard II. ist nicht gerade ein beliebter Regent. Anstatt sich um wichtige Staatsgeschafte zu kummern, gibt der Konig lieber das Geld aus, das er seinen Untertanen als Steuern abverlangt hat. Unmut macht sich im Volk breit, und auch am Konigshof selbst hat Richard mit seinem Cousin Henry Bolingbroke einen gefahrlichen Widersacher. Eines Tages geht der leichtsinnige Konig zu weit - eine Revolte beginnt sich zu formieren. Englands Zukunft ist ungewiss...-

William Shakespeares Historiendrama fesselt Leser und Zuschauer mit einer wendungsreichen Handlung voller Intrigen und einer epischen finalen Schlacht. Im Zentrum steht der machthungrige und skrupellose Richard, Herzog von Gloucester. Um den englischen Thron zu besteigen, schreckt er vor nichts zuruck. Widerstand gegen den tyrannischen Herrscher scheint zwecklos - wem kann es gelingen, Richard aufzuhalten und England den Frieden zuruckzubringen? -

Der fulminante Abschluss von William Shakespeares "e;Heinrich VI."e;-Trilogie wartet mit Verrat, wechselnden Allianzen und blutigen Schlachten um den englischen Thron auf. Der Herzog von York will die Herrschaft an sich reien, doch Konig Heinrich versucht, den Frieden wieder herzustellen. Auch Konigin Margaret, Yorks Sohne Richard und Edward sowie die Oberhaupter der Adelsfamilien mischen kraftig im Geschehen mit und verfolgen dabei hauptsachlich eigene Interessen. Kann ein Frieden von Dauer sein, wenn im Hintergrund bereits die nachsten hinterhaltigen Plane geschmiedet werden?-

Intrigen, Rivalitaten und ungeklarte Anspruche auf den Thron: auch in Teil 2 von William Shakespeares Historiendrama "e;Heinrich VI."e; kehrt keine Ruhe am englischen Konigshof ein. Nach dem Verlust seiner Territorien in Frankreich sieht der junge Monarch sich mit Verschworungen und politischen Rankespielen konfrontiert - wem kann er trauen, wer verfolgt nur seine eigenen Interessen? Was fuhrt Konigin Margaret oder der machtige Herzog von York im Schilde? Konig Heinrich muss zeigen, aus welchem Holz er geschnitzt ist...-

Im Auftakt seines dreiteiligen Historiendramas uber die Regentschaft Heinrichs VI. verbindet Shakespeare die Legende um Johanna von Orleans und die Ursprunge der englischen Rosenkriege: Die Herrschaft des jungen Konigs Heinrich VI. scheint von Anfang an unter einem schlechten Stern zu stehen. Seine Territorialanspruche in Frankreich werden von einer Streitmacht unter Fuhrung der mysteriosen Jungfrau Johanna angefochten. Auch an Heinrichs eigenem Hof verscharft sich die Spannung zwischen den Anhangern zweier machtiger Adelshauser - droht England ein Burgerkrieg?-

In seinem dreiteiligen Historiendrama erzahlt William Shakespeare die dramatische Geschichte der Herrschaftszeit Heinrichs VI. von England: der Hundertjahrige Krieg gegen Frankreich sowie die eskalierenden Spannungen der Adelshauser York und Lancaster belasten den jungen Monarchen seit dem ersten Tag seiner Regentschaft schwer. Gleichzeitig ist er umgeben von machtigen Gegenspielern am eigenen Hof, die alle eigene Plane verfolgen und vor nichts zuruckschrecken, um ihre Ziele zu erreichen. Wird Heinrich seine Macht sichern und sich als Konig beweisen konnen?-

Am Konigshof geht es hoch her: der Herzog von Buckingham, ein Vertrauter Konig Heinrichs VIII., wird wegen Hochverrats angeklagt. Ist er tatsachlich schuldig oder wurde er Opfer einer Intrige? Inmitten aller politischen Rankespiele hat Konig Heinrich noch ein weiteres Problem: er muss den Papst uberzeugen, einer Scheidung von Konigin Katharina zuzustimmen, damit er seine Geliebte Anne heiraten kann. Der Ausgang des Konflikts zwischen Heinrich und der Kirche konnte England fur immer verandern...-

Der englische Konig Johann sieht seinen Thron in Gefahr: Philip, Konig von Frankreich, verlangt dass er abdankt und Johanns Neffe Arthur dessen Nachfolger wird. Eine unakzeptable Forderung fur Johann - England und Frankreich stehen kurz vor einem blutigen Krieg. Wechselnde Allianzen, Konflikte in beiden Konigsfamilien und ungeklarte Thronanspruche scheinen eine Einigung unmoglich zu machen. Das Schicksal beider Lander hangt nun von Konig Johann ab - kann er sich als Herrscher behaupten?-

William Shakespeare verarbeitet in dieser bewegenden Tragodie die Legende des mythischen Konigs Leir und verwebt darin die Geschichte zweier dysfunktionaler Familien mit dem Schicksal Englands. Der alternde Konig Lear beschliet, sich zur Ruhe zu setzen und das Reich unter seinen drei Tochtern aufzuteilen. Doch nur Cordelia, die Jungste, hat Gutes im Sinn. Gleichzeitig hat der Graf von Gloucester Arger mit der hochkochenden Rivalitat seiner Sohne Edmund und Edgar. Konnen die beiden Familien dem Strudel aus Verrat, Krieg und Missgunst entkommen?-

Der schottische Edelmann Macbeth ist mutig, ein guter Soldat und loyal gegenuber Konig Duncan. Nach einer gewonnenen Schlacht trifft er auf drei mysteriose Hexen, die ihm prophezeien, dass er eines Tages selbst die Konigskrone tragen wird. Doch zwischen Macbeth und dem schottischen Thron stehen einige Rivalen - er muss entscheiden, was er zu tun bereit ist, um die Herrschaft zu erlangen. Angestachelt von seiner Ehefrau, der ehrgeizigen Lady Macbeth, beginnt sein blutiger Aufstieg zur Macht - doch diese hat einen hohen Preis...-

Die tragische Geschichte des vielleicht bekanntesten literarischen Liebespaares der Welt: Die beiden einflussreichen Familien Montague und Capulet aus Verona sind bis aufs Blut verfeindet. Auf einem Fest lernen sich ihre Nachkommen Romeo und Julia kennen und verlieben sich unsterblich ineinander. Sie wollen heimlich heiraten und zusammen fliehen, doch die Familienfehde zieht ihre Kreise, und so nimmt die Liebe zwischen Romeo und Julia ein dramatisches Ende...-

Helena is an orphaned daughter who has fallen madly in love with the arrogant Bertram. Helena is allowed to go to court and try her hand at curing the King's illness. Although others have failed, she succeeds and is granted permission to marry Bertram. To her sorrows however, he rejects her, turning out to be the beginning of a series of trials and tribulations Will Helena's efforts to corral her unwilling lover provide her with joyful fulfilment? This is the romantic comedy play of all time, providing an incredible dance across gender, sex, morality, duty and honour, without taking a stance, but as everything is ultimately alright, all's well that ends well after all! Perfect for fans of 'Notting Hill' and Bridget Jones's Diary'.-

Following the death of Julius Caesar, the Roman Empire is ruled by Antony, Octavius Caesar and Lepidus. Antony resides in Egypt and it completely captivated by its Queen, Cleopatra. But circumstances beyond his control force him to return to Rome and marry Caesar's sister, Octavia. When Antony abandons his new wife and travels back Egypt, Caesar declares war on the star-crossed lovers.Anthony and Cleopatra is Shakespeare at his best. With a mix of politics and romance, this play is wonderfully complex and intellectually stimulating. The Royal Shakespeare Company has seen many productions of the play, starring Michael Gambon and Helen Mirren in 1982 and Patrick Stewart and Harriet Walter in 2006.-

This historical fiction is set in ancient Britain when it belonged to the Roman Empire. Cymbeline, a Celtic king who has lost both his sons, opposes his only child, princess Imogen's marriage to the lowborn gentleman, Posthumus. In anger Cymbeline sends Posthumus to exile in Italy, where he falls into the company of the sleek Iachimo.Imogen's stepmother and Iachimo forge sinister plans against the poor king's daughter. She soon decides to flee from her father's court keen to find her beloved Posthumus.This bestseller contains plenty of surprising twists and turns, bloody confrontations and fatal encounters. But can the drama come to an end?'Cymbeline' is one of William Shakespeare's strongest plays, intertwined with themes of envy and forgiveness. As one of Shakespeare's lesser-known romances, this historical romance mixes some of his most stunning verse with an interesting blend of history, legend and fairy tale. For fans of Meg Mason, Jennifer Weiner and Sally Thorne.-

King Henry's military plans are interrupted by the news that his army has been defeated in the South. The supposedly loyal Hotspur is refusing to send the soldiers he has captured in the north, forcing Henry to summon Hotspur back to the royal court in order to explain his actions. In the midst of a kingdom filled with rebellion, betrayal and shifting alliances, king Henry is also dealing with a great disappointment in his son, Harry (Hal). Although often overshadowed by his son, King Henry still wishes him to be more like the fearless Hotspur. It is common knowledge that Harry, the heir to the throne, conducts himself in a way unbefitting to royalty. However, when the king faces a rebellion gathered by his former ally, Hal comes to his father's aid. But can he still redeem himself?This play focuses particularly on the development of Prince Hal as he grows to become the man later known as Henry V. Since it was first performed, this play has been extremely popular with both critics and the public. It reflects on the realities of wielding power, making this a brilliant classic worth reading. A perfect read for fans of the series 'House of Cards' and 'Designated Survivor'. Reimagined in the Netflix film 'the King'.-

John, King of England's rule is challenged by an ambassador for King Phillip of France.Claiming that Arthur, the nephew of John should be crowned king instead, John declares war against France. Although John orders his nephew's death and turns the nobles against himself, the questions remain... who is the rightful heir to the throne of England?'King John' is a brilliant historical fiction with its underlying theme of sources of power and authority it is both tragically poetic and satiric in equal measure. Perfect for fans of The Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries by Elly Griffiths. -

Based on the mythological Leir of Britain, the main character of King Lear decides to retire from the throne and hands over the kingdom his daughters.The premonition of the division of the kingdom will solely be based on the girls' strength of flattery. His two oldest daughters flatter him greatly, but the youngest one, Cordelia, refuses to play this game. King Lear is furious and chooses to banish her despite her love for him.Soon, however, the old king finds himself overruled by his oldest daughters and is driven to madness. Who will now fix the kingdom and resolve the civil wars to come?King Lear is a classic book for adults, one of Shakespeare's most tragic and heart-breaking plays as it searches the depths of human suffering and despair. Great for fans of Gayle Forman and John Green. -

In this brilliant play by William Shakespeare, meet Vincentio, the Duke of Vienna. Setting out for a diplomatic mission, he must leave the city and puts Angelo, the strict judge in charge in the meantime. Little does Angelo know that Vincentio simply pretends to leave the city and really only dresses up as a friar in order to observe the city in his absence.Angelo decides in his strict and moralistic ruling that Vienna is filled with too much freedom and take sit upon himself to rid the city of unlawful activities. Unfortunately for the character Claudio, he is the one Angelo uses to enforce the law. Claudio is immediately arrested for impregnating his lover Juliet outside of marriage. Sentenced to death, will Claudio be pardoned or. Will he be facing death under the ruling of Angelo? This classic play is a must-read forany historical fiction lover. For lovers of the movie 'A Thousdand Miles Behind' and 'The Last Kingdom' book series by Bernard Cornwell.-

Beginning in the streets of Venice, Roderigo and Iago are introduced in the heart of an argument.Iago is frantic as he has been disregarded for promotion and plots to take revenge against his General, Othello. Thus, the manipulation commends as Iago makes Othello believe his wife, Desdemona is disloyal.Othello is a courageous fighter, but he is presented as an idealist when it comes to both his love of Desdemona and his friendship with Iago. This ultimately blinds him to Iago's betrayal, stirring the themes of jealousy, justice and appearances vs reality.From this excellent play, there have been many differing views on the character of Othello over the years but this is your chance to pick up the book and decide for yourself, is Othello the greatest hero or the most egotistical?Othello is still widely performed and has inspired numerous adaptations. It has been reimagined in the film 'O' and the book 'New Boy' by Tracy Chevalier amongst others. -

This is the historical play on King Richard's life and how he died, tracing his fall from power. As a young man, Richard rises to the throne, although quickly proven to make poor decisions. Instead of spending his time being a worthy monarch of England, he spends his time chasing the latest Italian fashion and increases taxes to fund his wars in Ireland and elsewhere. As Henry returns to England to reclaim his land, will Richard descend the throne or keep fighting till his dying breath? For all historical lovers, this play provides a pertinent perspective on the British monarchy and its magnificent history. Amongst William Shakespeare's many must-reads, this is the classic worth reading next! If you watched and loved a series such as 'the Crown' or a film as 'Mary, Queen of Scots' this book should be on your to-be-read list. -

In this magnificent historical adventure, William Shakespeare presents a story on the rise to power and subsequent short reign of King Richard III of England. Malicious, power-hungry, and bitter, Richard aspires to the throne. The trail of cold-blooded murder starts in the midst of deception and political manipulation, but will Richard be able to stay in control in his ruthless strategies for ultimate power? This historical fiction set in England truly display the power of language, as for Richard, it is a vital weapon he uses to manipulate, confuse, and control those around him."e;Richard III"e; stages an important turning point in English history: the end of the Wars of the Roses and the rise to power of the Tudor dynasty in the figure of Henry VII.For fans of 'House of Cards' & 'Designated Survivor'. -

Does Romeo and Juliet really need an introduction? Of all William Shakespeare's plays, this might be the best known to date. Lamentable tragedies, star-crossed lovers and feuding families: if you somehow haven't managed to read the all-time romantic tragedy classic, this is your sign to do so.In the midst of a violence and disputes, two young lovers find each other in a world that continuously contradict their attempt to attain eternal love and happiness. The age-old vendetta between the Montagues and the Capulets erupts into bloodshed. Romeo is a Montague, Juliet a Capulet, will their love be strong enough to stand their families quarrel?For fans of Andre Aciman, John Green and Nicholas Sparks. -

Timon is a wealthy and popular man in Athens who freely shares his wealth with others. He is generous to his friends and often pays off other people's debts, throws lavish parties and bestows gifts. His willingness to share his wealth is known everywhere. While his friends warn him about the motives of those that benefit from this generosity, Timon firmly believes that everyone will always have his back. Eventually, Timon finds out that he's broke, having given out his fortune to others. When the creditors come calling, he asks those who benefited from his kindness for help. It is then that he learns the real value of those friendships and human nature. "e;Timon of Athens"e; is one of Shakespeare's lesser-known plays and is considered one of his more complex and neglected works. The story of friendship, greed and loyalty are timely and relatable to modern audiences. For fans of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Edith Wharton.-

The death of their father leaves Oliver and Orlando at odds. Oliver inherits everything and out of spite forces his younger brother to live in poverty by denying him his inheritance.Left with little choice, Orlando heads to Duke Frederick's court to fight the court's champion wrestler. There, Orlando wins the match, gets the prize and falls in love with the Duke's niece Rosalind.Orlando's win infuriates Frederick because of the friendship between the boy's father and his own brother Duke Senior, who he has banished to the forest. Frederick accuses Rosalind of conspiring against him and banishes her from the court despite his daughter Celia's pleas.Rosalind disguises herself as a boy called Ganymede and heads for the forest with her cousin Celia, who pretends to be a young country girl named Aliena. In the forest, Orlando runs into Duke Senior and his men. Then the girls in disguise arrive, and chaos ensues.-

Ferdinand, the King of Navarre, and his three noble companions, the Lords Berowne, Dumaine and Longaville, make a pact. For the next three years, they will focus on their studies while giving up wine, partying and the company of women. To make sure nobody is tempted to stray, Ferdinand bans women from his court. But, as they say, the best-laid plans don't always work out as intended. Soon after, a French princess and her ladies arrive in Navarre on a state visit. They are forced to set up their camp outside the court, as per Ferdinand's decree. So, the king and his men now have to visit the camp where they fall for the princess and her lovely ladies. As the gentlemen are hopelessly trying to disguise their feelings for the women, romantic havoc ensues. -

In the early 15th century, young King Henry V ascends to the throne of England after the death of his father, King Henry IV. As his restless subjects deal with the aftermath of bitter civil wars, the young king must face his wild youth and prove himself to gain the respect of his people. Using his family's distant roots to French royalty and the interpretation of ancient land laws, Henry lays claim to parts of France. Unsurprisingly, the Dauphin, the ruling prince of France, ridicules Henry's claim and dismisses it. Left with little choice Henry decides to invade France instead. "e;Henry V"e; is the last of William Shakespeare's historical plays, often referred to as The Henriad. The others are "e;Richard II"e; "e;Henry IV, Part 1."e; and "e;Henry IV, Part 2."e; All plays are loosely based on the Lancaster branch of England's House of Plantagenet. Fans of the Netflix show "e;The King"e; will recognize similar storylines that are also loosely based on true events. -

As England is in the middle of a civil war, King Henry IV becomes gravely ill. While the king's enemies attempt to overthrow him, his son and heir Hal continues to raise hell in local taverns with his lowlife friends. With a looming rebellion Hal must get his life in order. Knowing that he will be responsible for taking the reins once his father dies Hal vows to change. With his bad reputation, legal troubles, questionable companions and his father's low option to overcome, Hal must suppress the uprising. "e;Henry IV, Part 2"e; is the third historical play (the others being Richard II, Henry IV, Part 1, and Henry V) known collectively as the "e;second tetralogy."e;These plays focus on major events of English history in the late 14th and early 15th centuries.-

After the death of King Henry V, his young son ascends to the throne. As he's too young to rule, the English nobles rise to the challenge and take charge. Meanwhile, in France, Joan la Pucelle (Joan of Arc) persuades the newly crowned French king, Charles VII, to reclaim French lands held by the English. Lord Talbot, the national hero, leads the English to battle France. As the war rages on the continent, the feuding dukes of York and Somerset quarrel over who is responsible for sending reinforcements. The power struggles at court create unrest and set up future conflicts. "e;Henry VI, Part 1"e; looks at the early English history and the country's tumultuous relationship with the French. The play is the first of four history plays (the others being "e;Henry VI, Part 2,"e; "e;Henry VI, Part 3"e; and "e;Richard III"e;) known collectively as the "e;first tetralogy."e;-

Henry VI is now on the throne but the conflict with France continues.He is unable to control his bickering nobles and his new wife, Margaret of Anjou. And as if these problems weren't enough, the queen is secretly plotting against Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, with her lover, the Duke of Suffolk. He, in turn, is plotting behind her back to get the throne for himself.This historical drama centers on the Plantagenet, Lancaster and York dynasties of England and France. The power struggles fuel insurrections and conflict."e;Henry VI, Part 2"e; is the second of four history plays (the others being "e;Henry VI, Part 1,"e; "e;Henry VI, Part 3"e; and "e;Richard III"e;) known collectively as the "e;first tetralogy."e;-

The fight for the British throne between the Houses of York and Lancaster continues.Richard, Duke of York, in his quest for the crown, cajoles Henry to disinherit his son Edward, which enrages his mother, Queen Margaret. While the deal keeps Henry on the throne the conflict escalates between both sides. As civil war erupts, the Yorkists and the Lancasters face off in what became known as the War of the Roses.Meanwhile Queen Margaret raises her own troops in France to fight for her son's birthright."e;Henry VI, Part 3"e; is the third of four history plays (the others being "e;Henry VI, Part 1,"e; "e;Henry VI, Part 2"e; and "e;Richard III"e;) known collectively as the "e;first tetralogy."e; -