A selection of The Bard's greatest writings edited by the great Shakespearean Stephen Orgel

William Shakespeare's plays revolutionized the English language and created some of the most important scenes in Western literature: Hamlet contemplating his mortality, Romeo romancing Juliet, Lear railing against his insanity into the storm, and King Henry V wandering among his soldiers on the eve of battle. With introductions and context from leading Shakespearean scholar Stephen Orgel, the essential works of the most important figure in English literature are collected here: nine complete plays, the most popular scenes and poems, as well as a glossary of 1,000 key words. With clear and authoritative texts from the Pelican Shakespeare series, this user-friendly edition will inspire students, thespians, poets, and general readers alike.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
William Shakespeare (1564–1616) was a poet, playwright, and actor who is widely regarded as one of the most influential writers in the history of the English language. Often referred to as the Bard of Avon, Shakespeare's vast body of work includes comedic, tragic, and historical plays; poems; and 154 sonnets. His dramatic works have been translated into every major language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. View titles by William Shakespeare
The Portable ShakespeareIntroduction
Twelfth Night, or, What You Will
The Tragical History of Hamlet Prince of Denmark
Macbeth
The Tempest

Selections from the Other Plays
The Taming of the Shrew
Love's Labor's Lost
A Midsummer Night's Dream
The Merchant of Venice
Much Ado About Nothing
As You Like It
The History of Troilus and Cressida
Measure for Measure
The Winter's Tale
The Third Part of Henry the Sixth
The Tragedy of King Richard the Third
The Tragedy of King Richard the Second
The First Part of King Henry the Fourth
The Second Part of King Henry the Fourth
The Life of King Henry the Fifth
The Life of King Henry the Eighth
Romeo and Juliet
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
The Tragedy of Othello the Moor of Venice
King Lear
Antony and Cleopatra

Selections from the Sonnets
Glossary

About

A selection of The Bard's greatest writings edited by the great Shakespearean Stephen Orgel

William Shakespeare's plays revolutionized the English language and created some of the most important scenes in Western literature: Hamlet contemplating his mortality, Romeo romancing Juliet, Lear railing against his insanity into the storm, and King Henry V wandering among his soldiers on the eve of battle. With introductions and context from leading Shakespearean scholar Stephen Orgel, the essential works of the most important figure in English literature are collected here: nine complete plays, the most popular scenes and poems, as well as a glossary of 1,000 key words. With clear and authoritative texts from the Pelican Shakespeare series, this user-friendly edition will inspire students, thespians, poets, and general readers alike.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

Author

William Shakespeare (1564–1616) was a poet, playwright, and actor who is widely regarded as one of the most influential writers in the history of the English language. Often referred to as the Bard of Avon, Shakespeare's vast body of work includes comedic, tragic, and historical plays; poems; and 154 sonnets. His dramatic works have been translated into every major language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. View titles by William Shakespeare

Table of Contents

The Portable ShakespeareIntroduction
Twelfth Night, or, What You Will
The Tragical History of Hamlet Prince of Denmark
Macbeth
The Tempest

Selections from the Other Plays
The Taming of the Shrew
Love's Labor's Lost
A Midsummer Night's Dream
The Merchant of Venice
Much Ado About Nothing
As You Like It
The History of Troilus and Cressida
Measure for Measure
The Winter's Tale
The Third Part of Henry the Sixth
The Tragedy of King Richard the Third
The Tragedy of King Richard the Second
The First Part of King Henry the Fourth
The Second Part of King Henry the Fourth
The Life of King Henry the Fifth
The Life of King Henry the Eighth
Romeo and Juliet
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
The Tragedy of Othello the Moor of Venice
King Lear
Antony and Cleopatra

Selections from the Sonnets
Glossary