Books by William Shakespeare

Sir Thomas More deals with matters so controversial that it may never have reached performance on stage. A compelling play of riots and religious politics, it is also an intriguing document of what could, and could not, be articulated in the early modern public theatre.

A major new edition of this perennially succesful play which continues to entertain and perplex modern audiences. The play is discussed in its critical and theatrical contexts and Hodgdon, a leading feminist scholar, opens up new readings for modern audiences and students.

First performed in 1727, Cardenio or Double Falsehood was based on a play originally written by William Shakespeare. This significant new edition traces the elements of his work to be found in the text we have today, opening up fascinating questions and ideas for all students of Shakespeare.

"King Henry VIII" has one of the fullest theatrical histories of any play in the Shakespeare canon, yet has been consistently misrepresented, both in performance and in criticism. This edition offers a fresh perspective on this ironic, multi-layered, collaborative play.

This edition tells the story of Hamlet in production, from Burbage at the Globe to Branagh on film, relating stage interpretations to developments in the theatre, literary criticism and society. The introduction focuses on whole productions of the play including supporting players and, in this century, direction and design.

This Roman play is one of Shakespeare's last tragedies, best known for its political and military themes.The Introduction and commentary notes open up the language, themes and ideas in this complex yet richly rewarding play for the student and teacher.

"Shakespeare's dexterous comedy of two twin masters and two twin servants continually mistaken for one another is both farce and more than farce. The Comedy of Errors examines the interplay between personal and commercial relationships, and the breakdown of social order that follows the disruption of identity" --

The first in a series on Shakespeare's original texts, including facsimile pages, this version of "Hamlet" is claimed to be, in some ways, the most authentic version of the play that we have. Included are an introduction, notes, and a theoretical, historical and contextual critique.

One of Shakespeare's late plays, The Winter's Tale falls into two distinct parts: the first part tragedy and the second, comedy. John Pitcher's lively introduction and commentary explores the extraordinary merging of theatrical forms in the play and its success in performance.

In this quarto edition the text is accompanied by a collation of variant readings and substantial textual notes. Peter Davison argues that Shakespeare's company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men, used a memorially reconstructed text of Richard III during a touring performance of the play, and that text provided the manuscript for the 1597 quarto.

Critically acclaimed as one of Shakespeare's most complex and intriguing plays, "Twelfth Night" is a classic romantic comedy of mistaken identities. This book explores the factors that make up the play's textual, theatrical, critical and cultural history. It surveys the play's production and reception and emphasizes the role of the spectator.

The Tempest has not only generated many creative adaptations in drama, poetry, novels and films, but it has also proved a testing ground for virtually all the new literary theories available.

John Wilders brings to life the range of approaches that have been taken to the play's production and performance. The edition includes guidance on the play's many classical references and short biographies of historical characters.

The first printed text of Shakespeare's Hamlet is about half the length of the more familiar second quarto and Folio versions. It reorders and combines key plot elements to present its own workable alternatives. This is the only modernised, critical edition of the 1603 quarto in print.

This comprehensive edition of King Richard III offers all the features associated with the Arden Shakespeare. Richard is one of Shakespeare's great villains and the play that bears his name is one of his most popular in performance and in classrooms.

Reprint. Originally published: London, Methuen: 1951.

Classic / British EnglishHamlet is the Prince of Denmark. His heart is filled with sadness and pain. Why? Only his two best friends, Horatio and Marcellus, know the true reason. The new king, Claudius, murdered Hamlets father and married the young princes mother. Will Hamlet be strong and brave enough to take revenge? Is he mad? Or does he have a secret plan?

Edited, introduced and annotated by Cedric Watts, M.A., Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of English, University of Sussex.Shakespeare's Macbeth is one of the greatest tragic dramas the world has known. Macbeth himself, a brave warrior, is fatally impelled by supernatural forces, by his proud wife, and by his own burgeoning ambition. As he embarks on his murderous course to gain and retain the crown of Scotland, we see the appalling emotional and psychological effects on both Lady Macbeth and himself. The cruel ironies of their destiny are conveyed in poetry of unsurpassed power. In the theatre, this tragedy remains perennially engrossing.

Edited, introduced and annotated by Cedric Watts, M.A., Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of English, University of Sussex.The Wordsworth Classics' Shakespeare Series presents a newly-edited sequence of William Shakespeare's works. The textual editing takes account of recent scholarship while giving the material a careful reappraisal.Romeo and Juliet is the world's most famous drama of tragic young love. Defying the feud which divides their families, Romeo and Juliet enjoy the fleeting rapture of courtship, marriage and sexual fulfilment; but a combination of old animosities and new coincidences brings them to suicidal deaths.This play offers a rich mixture of romantic lyricism, bawdy comedy, intimate harmony and sudden violence. Long successful in the theatre, it has also generated numerous operas, ballets and films; and these have helped to make Romeo and Juliet perennially topical.

Controversial and sexually charged, The Taming of the Shrew is possibly William Shakespeare's first play, and certainly among the most performed. Petruchio's courtship of the unwilling 'shrew' Katherina poses the question: is it an examination of brute male domination or a passionate love story with a powerful moral message? To read it is to gain unique insight into a portrait of a marriage as created by a true master. This Macmillan Collector's Library edition is illustrated throughout by renowned artist Sir John Gilbert (1817-1897), and includes an introduction by Ned Halley.Designed to appeal to the booklover, the Macmillan Collector's Library is a series of beautiful gift editions of much loved classic titles. Macmillan Collector's Library are books to love and treasure.

In Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare uses the most notorious murder in classical history to tell a tragic tale of friendship, ambition and betrayal. As the greatest figures of the Roman Republic are swept along on the tide of a terrifying conspiracy, a touchingly human story is revealed in some of the most beautiful poetry ever written.This Macmillan Collector's library edition is illustrated throughout by renowned artist Sir John Gilbert (1817-1897), and features an introduction by Ned Halley.Designed to appeal to the booklover, the Macmillan Collector's Library is a series of beautiful gift editions of much loved classic titles. Macmillan Collector's Library are books to love and treasure.

Richard, Duke of Gloucester - the bitter, deformed brother of the King - is secretly plotting to seize the throne of England. Charming and duplicitous, powerfully eloquent and viciously cruel, he is prepared to go to any lengths to achieve his goal. In his skilful manipulation of events and people, Richard is a chilling incarnation of the lure of evil and the temptation of power. This Macmillan Collector's Library edition is illustrated throughout by renowned artist Sir John Gilbert (1817-1897), and includes an introduction by Ned Halley.Designed to appeal to the booklover, the Macmillan Collector's Library is a series of beautiful gift editions of much loved classic titles. Macmillan Collector's Library are books to love and treasure.