The portrait of a monarchy in crisis, this historical drama concerns the famous king's efforts to secure a divorce from his dignified and popular queen in order to marry an enchanting courtesan and pr
According to legend, Queen Elizabeth I was so delighted with the character of Sir John Falstaff in Henry IV, Parts I and II, that she commanded Shakespeare to create a romantic comedy depicting the jo
A military hero of ancient Rome who attempts to shift from his career as a general to become a candidate for public office ? a disastrous move that leads to his heading an attack on Rome. The last of
This popular, much-studied drama focuses on the young warrior king — from Henry's decision to continue the military exploits of his royal ancestors and press England's claim to the French throne, to h
One of the author's "dark" comedies, its compelling characters include a duke masquerading as a monk, a would-be nun ordered to sacrifice her chastity to save her brother's life, and a hypocritical po
A Scottish nobleman murders the king in order to succeed to the throne. Tortured by his conscience and fearful of discovery, he becomes tangled in a web of treachery and deceit that ultimately spells
Save 16% — Free Shipping!Amazingly, most of William Shakespeare's work was never published during his lifetime — it wasn't until the First Folio edition of 1623 that his plays became available to a wi
Preferring a life of spiritual contemplation, Henry VI leaves politics to his nobles. The resulting power struggle pits the Houses of York and Lancaster against one another for control of the crown. A
With the untimely death of England's great soldier-king, Henry V, the crown passes to his young and inexperienced son. While the nobles quarrel among themselves and compete for influence over the new
Valentine and Proteus are devoted comrades ? until they travel to Milan and meet Silvia, the Duke's ravishing daughter. Torn between the bonds of friendship and the lure of romance, the two gentlemen
This romantic drama portrays the travails of a wandering prince and the redemptive powers of a daughter's love. Driven from one end of the Mediterranean to another by the winds of fate, Pericles endur
"Not all the water in the rough rude sea/Can wash the balm off from an anointed king," declares the soon-to-be deposed ruler of this historical drama. Confident in his divine right,
Amid a backdrop of war, conspiracy, and murder, this historical play depicts the troubled reign of King John, who ruled England from 1199 to 1216. Shakespeare's most enigmatic king struggles with the
A wealthy citizen of ancient Greece, Timon delights in entertaining his friends and lavishing them with extravagant gifts. His largesse ultimately exceeds his means, and when creditors begin to press
As attested to by countless stage and screen productions, Hamlet forever retains its fascination for audiences. It's an absorbing intellectual drama of the contemplative prince who reluctantly venture
In this charming comedy of manners, a well-intentioned king vows to forego all fleshly delights, setting the stage for romantic hijinks. The customary Shakespearean comic elements ? lovers in disguise
Running an emotional gamut from betrayal and broken hearts to romance and reconciliation, this 1611 tragicomedy begins with the tyrannical actions of a jealous king, whose baseless suspicions destroy
The bewitching tale of Prospero, an old magician, and his daughter, who live on an enchanted island. A shipwreck brings old enemies to the island, setting the stage for comedy, romance, and reconcilia
When forbidden romance enters their lives, a pair of noblewomen assume disguises and flee to the Forest of Arden, where they encounter a magical world of friendly outlaws and wise fools. Both a lighth
With over 500 offerings from the most quoted writer in the English language, this modestly priced volume provides a luxurious assortment of memorable and profound thoughts. Conveniently arranged by to
Delightfully comic tale of mistaken identities revolves around the physical likeness between Sebastian and his twin sister Viola, each of whom, when separated after a shipwreck, believes the other to
Final play in Shakespeare's dramatization of the strife between the Houses of York and Lancaster. Richard is stunning archvillain who seduces, betrays, and murders his way to the throne. Explanatory f
