Books by William Shakespeare

Irresponsibility of Youth--The reign of King Henry IV is not going smoothly. He is at odds with the Percys and much of the nobility does not consider his son, Hal, a worthy successor to the crown. Hal, along with his best friend John Falstaff, spends too much of his time in taverns and in the company of the lowest members of society. But fate intercedes and Hal is given the opportunity to redeem himself.

Responsibility and Honor-- In Henry IV, Part 2, Hal continues his journey of growth becoming a man fit to hold the throne of England. He distances himself from John Falstaff and takes up important responsibilities for his father, the King. For his part Falstaff is looking forward to a time when Hal becomes King and rewards him for his friendship.

Responsibility and Honor-- In Henry IV, Part 2, Hal continues his journey of growth becoming a man fit to hold the throne of England. He distances himself from John Falstaff and takes up important responsibilities for his father, the King. For his part Falstaff is looking forward to a time when Hal becomes King and rewards him for his friendship.

Magic and Treachery- The Play starts which young King henry VI, Marrying Margaret of Anjou. William de la Pol has plans to influence Henry through his young wife. Magic and untrustworthy nobles threaten Henry's reign. Henry Cannot understand how anyone could be anything less than pious, or dishonest, which puts his reign into even deeper jeopardy.

Heredity and Ability--Henry VI, Part 1 opens at the funeral of Henry V, who died unexceptedly in his prime. Henry's brothers and his uncle do not think his son, who will be Henry VI, is ready to take his father's place. War has broken out with France once again, and the young king must prove he is worthy to be his father's successor.

Magic and Treachery- The Play starts which young King henry VI, Marrying Margaret of Anjou. William de la Pol has plans to influence Henry through his young wife. Magic and untrustworthy nobles threaten Henry's reign. Henry Cannot understand how anyone could be anything less than pious, or dishonest, which puts his reign into even deeper jeopardy.

Magic and Civil War--Collected here are all three parts of King Henry VI. The three plays cover the time from Henry's ascension to the throne to his eventual death at the hands of Richard, the Duke of Gloucester. Henry had a particularly contentious and difficult reign, with civil war and treachery his constant companions.

War and Betrayal--France threatens war with England unless King John renounces his claim to the throne in favor of his nephew Arthur. John refuses and war ensues. John is excommunicated by the Pope, and his nephew Arthur dies under mysterious circumstances. Well, whiles I am a beggar, I will rail,And say there is no sin, but to be rich;And being rich, my virtue then shall be,To say there is no vice, but beggary!

Greed and Anger--King Richard is called upon to settle a dispute over money between Henry Bolingbroke and Thomas Mowbray. The situation escalates and Mowbray challenges Bolingbroke to a duel. A tournament is held to that end, but at the very beginning of the duel Richard interrupts the duel and banishes both men from England. And thus starts a downward spiral for King Richard.Must I not serve a long apprenticehoodTo foreign passages, and in the end,Having my freedom, boast of nothing else

Villainy and Treachery--Richard III tells of the story of how Richard steals the kingdom from his young nephew after the death of his brother Edward. There is much murder and treachery until Richmond leads a revolt against Richard. Now is the winter of our discontentMade glorious summer by this sun of York;And all the clouds that lour'd upon our houseIn the deep bosom of the ocean buried.

William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) is widely recognized as the greatest writer in the English language, best known for his plays Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet. King Lear is another very famous Shakespeare tragedy that depicts the spiral into madness that King Lear undergoes after he disposes of his kingdom. Edited, with notes, by William J. Rolfe, Litt.D.

The Comedy of Errors is one of William Shakespeare's early plays. It is his shortest and one of his most farcical comedies, with a major part of the humour coming from slapstick and mistaken identity, in addition to puns and word play. The Comedy of Errors (along with The Tempest) is one of only two of Shakespeare's plays to observe the Unity of Time (classical unities). It has been adapted for opera, stage, screen and musical theatre numerous times worldwide.The Comedy of Errors tells the story of two sets of identical twins that were accidentally separated at birth. When the Syracusans encounter the friends and families of their twins, a series of wild mishaps based on mistaken identities lead to wrongful beatings, a near-seduction, the arrest of Antipholus of Ephesus, and false accusations of infidelity, theft, madness, and demonic possession.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Titus Andronicus" (1594). This edition features a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. Unlike Shakespeare¿s other plays based on Roman histories, the story of ¿Titus Andronicus¿ is a fictional work. The play dramatises the gruesome events that take place in the battle for a nation between the brutal Roman general Titus and his powerful opposition, Tamora, Queen of the Goths. Multiple plots of deception, sacrifice and revenge leave a devastating trail as a destructive path to power is forged. The depiction of violent themes such as rape, cannibalism and mutilation make this Shakespeare¿s darkest of plays. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Timon of Athens", featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. Timon, an Athenian known for his vast generosity, depletes his entire fortune in the name of friendship. Facing the consequences of his own naivety, Timon finds himself at a loss when his wealth and friendship is unreturned by those he once lavished. Consumed by bitterness he retreats into solitude. The play explores the fickleness involved with friendships and the instability of wealth and its consequences. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Coriolanus", featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. This tragedy is set in Rome and revisits the life of the soldier-turned-leader of the Roman Republic, Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Under the influence of his mother, a reluctant Marcius faces the challenges and pitfalls that come with responsibility and allegiance. Rife with revolts and political struggle, the play follows the themes of dissent and discontent with government and leadership. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's tragedy, "Antony and Cleopatra". Featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare, it is a must for Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The play follows the turbulent relationship between the powerful political figures Mark Antony of the Roman Republic and Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. Passions clash with political strategy, the problem of duty, and the desire for control. Cleopatra is praised as one of Shakespeare¿s most developed and complex female characters. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's narrative poem, "Venus and Adonis". Featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare, it is a must for Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The poem intertwines comedy with tragedy to tell the tale of Venus¿s obsession with the handsome Adonis, whose affections even the goddess of love cannot hold. It explores the pain of unrequited love and grief and is known for its beautiful depictions of nature. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's narrative poem, "The Rape of Lucrece". This edition features a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. Set in Rome, the poem tells a tragic tale of lust, conquest, violence and politics. Collatine expresses his love for his wife Lucrece, to a fellow soldier, Tarquin. Hearing of her ¿chastity¿, Tarquin is overcome with his desire to alter this and seeks out Lucrece in Collatine¿s absence. He threatens and rapes her, and the poem follows the consequences of his violent actions. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's poem, "A Lover's Complaint", featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. The poem tells the story of a young women lamenting her love for a man who once charmed and abandoned her. As she weeps at the edge of a river, an old man approaches, compelling her to recount her tale of sorrow. It was published as a conclusion to the original edition of ¿Shakespeare's Sonnets¿, in 1609. Shakespeare¿s sonnets beautifully explore the themes of love and beauty, time and mortality. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Richard II". This edition features a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. The play is the first in Shakespeare's tetralogy chronicling the successive reigns of Richard II, Henry IV and Henry V, and covers the battle for power between King Richard and Henry Bolingbroke (who would eventually be Henry IV). Embezzlement, exile and an uprising fail to restore Richard¿s place as King. Richard is depicted as feminine and weak, in contrast with the strong and masculine Bolingbroke. The play¿s implications on traditional expectations of men in society is an area of growing interest for contemporary scholars. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's history play, "King John". This edition features a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. Supported by France, a claim to be the rightful heir to throne arises from Arthur, the King¿s nephew, and King John is asked to step down. He refuses, and France and England enter into battle. The play depicts the difficulties and struggles for power and ownership that come with war and sovereignty. Set in 13th century England, the events depicted take place before Shakespeare's other history plays. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Henry VI, Part 3", the final instalment in the historical saga. This edition features a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. With the central theme of revenge running throughout, this account in the trilogy sees the fall of many significant figures in the struggle for power and glory. Richard of York follows Henry to London where he is forced to make a deal in order to keep his position as King. Margaret raises an army against York in defiance of this move, but in the maddening chaos of conflict and social unrest, Henry is usurped, captured and killed. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Henry VI, Part 2¿, the second of a three-part saga. This edition features a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. Rebellion and treason threaten the crown with the risk of civil war. Depicted as a weak leader, King Henry finds himself under attack by Richard, Duke of York, and is compelled to flee to London with Queen Margaret, followed by his own forces. The second part in a trilogy chronicling the life of King Henry VI of England. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Henry VI, Part 1¿, featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. In the first instalment of a trilogy set during the War of the Roses, Henry VI rises to King following the death of his father, Henry V. As England¿s military hold in France dwindles, rivalry runs high between the Houses of York and Somerset, leading to Lord Talbot¿s defeat by Joan la Pucelle (Joan of Arc). Following her capture, England and France achieve peace, albeit unsettled, and political negotiations pave the way for a new Queen. Believed to have been written in 1591, the play could have been a timely reinforcement of English patriotism at a moment of political dejection following the nation¿s victory against the Spanish Armada. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Henry IV, Part 2¿, featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. Exploring themes of age, duty, and expectation, the play depicts the civil unrest in the events leading up to the end of King Henry IV¿s reign. A muddy path to valour and victory is forged and Prince Hal succeeds to the throne. The play is part of Shakespeare's tetralogy chronicling the successive reigns of Richard II, Henry IV and Henry V. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Henry IV, Part 1¿, featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. It is the second in Shakespeare's tetralogy of plays chronicling the successive reigns of Richard II, Henry IV and Henry V. Following civil disputes, the crown is in jeopardy. As King Henry IV prepares to defend it, Prince Hal, his heir, revels with his friend Sir Falstaff in a local tavern. Matters of the high court fall to the Prince, who is summoned into action. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Two Gentlemen of Veronä. Featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare, it is a must for Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The play explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, and the foolish behaviour caused by love. Two friends, Valentine and Proteus, leave Verona for Milan. Valentine and the Duke¿s daughter, Sylvia, fall in love. The fickle Proteus, who has pledged his love to Julia, decides that Sylvia must be his and embarks upon sabotage and betrayal in pursuit of his desires. Meanwhile, Julia travels to Milan in a male disguise. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's comedy, "Twelfth Night¿. Featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare, it is a must for Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The tale begins when the twins, Viola and Sebastian, are separated in a shipwreck. Viola is rescued and helped by a sea captain. When she takes up service with Count Orsino of Illyria disguised as a young man, the confusion begins. Mistaken identities, duels and a comic subplot make for hilarious results. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "The Tempest¿. Featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare, it is a must for Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers alike. ¿The Tempest¿ is a story about Prospero, a wronged man, and his retribution. Left isolated on an island with his daughter, Miranda, he seeks to punish his enemies. Commanding the elements with magic, he conjures a storm, shipwrecking his suspected wrongdoers. As the castaways wash up onto his shores, they discover the island is far from normal. The supernatural overtones in the play have inspired some to consider that Shakespeare was writing about matters of the human soul. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "The Merry Wives of Windsor", featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. Set in the English town of Windsor, this play revolves around the antics of fictional character Sir John Falstaff and his attempts to seduce two housewives in order to access their husbands¿ fortunes. However, luck doesn¿t go his way and he is outsmarted and subjected to public ridicule. Falstaff is considered one of the Shakespeare¿s most famous comic characters and he appears in four of Shakespeare¿s history plays. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.