14 best shakespeare books

William Shakespeare, often regarded as one of the greatest playwrights and writers in the English language, produced a vast body of work during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. His contributions to literature, drama, and poetry have had a profound and lasting impact on the world of literature and the English language. Here is an overview of some of Shakespeare's most famous works:

  1. Romeo and Juliet: This tragic love story, set in Verona, Italy, tells the tale of two young lovers, Romeo and Juliet, who come from feuding families. Their love ultimately leads to a series of unfortunate events.

  2. Hamlet: "Hamlet" is a tragedy centered around Prince Hamlet of Denmark, who seeks to avenge his father's death by his uncle's hand. It is famous for its introspective soliloquies and exploration of themes like revenge and madness.

  3. Macbeth: This play explores the corrupting influence of ambition as it tells the story of Macbeth, a Scottish nobleman who becomes consumed by his desire for power and descends into tyranny.

  4. Othello: "Othello" is a tragedy that delves into themes of jealousy, manipulation, and race. It tells the story of Othello, a Moorish general, who is manipulated into believing that his wife, Desdemona, has been unfaithful to him.

  5. A Midsummer Night's Dream: This comedy intertwines the stories of four young lovers and a group of amateur actors who become entangled in the mischievous actions of fairies in a magical forest.

  6. Julius Caesar: This historical drama depicts the conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar, the Roman dictator, and its aftermath. It explores themes of betrayal, power, and the consequences of political ambition.

  7. The Tempest: In this play, Prospero, a magician and the rightful Duke of Milan, uses his magical powers to bring his enemies to an island and ultimately seeks reconciliation and forgiveness.

  8. Twelfth Night: A comedy that revolves around mistaken identities, love triangles, and humorous situations. It explores themes of love and self-discovery.

  9. The Merchant of Venice: This play examines themes of prejudice, justice, and mercy as it tells the story of a Jewish moneylender, Shylock, and his relationship with a Christian merchant, Antonio.

  10. As You Like It: A pastoral comedy that follows the adventures of Rosalind and Orlando in the Forest of Arden.It explores themes of love, identity, and the natural world.

These are just a selection of Shakespeare's works. He wrote a total of 39 plays, numerous sonnets, and other poems. His works continue to be performed, studied, and appreciated worldwide for their timeless themes, rich characters, and masterful use of language. Shakespeare's impact on literature and drama is immeasurable, and his works remain an integral part of the literary canon.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best shakespeare books on the market
  

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Leather-bound Classics)

Canterbury Classics

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Leather-bound Classics

Our Leather-bound editions are the foundation of any good home library. Canterbury Classics’ stunning, collectible compendiums feature some of the greatest literary names and masterpieces.

A few of the titles in the series include:

  • The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Other Stories
  • Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Other Stories
  • The Arabian Nights
  • The Art of War
  • The U.S. Constitution and Other Writings
  • and over 50 more!

Gorgeous Covers
Beautiful Spines
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Classic stories in a timeless format.

The Shakespeare Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained

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Macbeth (Folger Shakespeare Library)

Simon & Schuster

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Hamlet

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Romeo and Juliet (Folger Shakespeare Library)

Simon & Schuster

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Romeo and Juliet (No Fear Shakespeare)

SparkNotes

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Othello

Simon & Schuster

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Complete Shakespeare

Usborne Publishing Ltd

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Romeo and Juliet: No Fear Shakespeare Deluxe Student Edition (Volume 8)

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Shakespeare: The Complete Collection

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Hamnet

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The War of the Worlds

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A Midsummer Night's Dream (Folger Shakespeare Library)

Simon & Schuster

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Julius Caesar (Folger Shakespeare Library)

Simon & Schuster

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