Twelve of Shakespeare’s most profound and moving dramas in one elegant volume. William Shakespeare’s tragedies introduced the world to some of the most well-known characters in literature, including Romeo, Juliet, Macbeth, Hamlet, King Lear, and Othello. This handsome Word Cloud volume includes all twelve works from the First Folio that are commonly classified as tragedies—but the feelings that Shakespeare’s words can evoke range across the spectrum of human emotion.

The authoritative edition of Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers. The star-crossed lovers of Romeo and Juliet, the madness and vengeance of Hamlet, and the corrupting lust for power of Macbeth—this collection of three of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies is based on the acclaimed individual Folger editions of the plays. This edition includes: -Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play -Full explanatory notes -Scene-by-scene plot summaries The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs. For more information, visit Folger.edu.

Hamlet One of the most famous plays of all time, the compelling tragedy of the young prince of Denmark who must reconcile his longing for oblivion with his duty to avenge his father’s murder is one of Shakespeare’s greatest works. The ghost, Ophelia’s death and burial, the play within a play, and the breathtaking swordplay are just some of the elements that make Hamlet a masterpiece of the theater. Othello This great tragedy of unsurpassed intensity and emotion is played out against Renaissance splendor. The doomed marriage of Desdemona to the Moor Othello is the focus of a storm of tension, incited by the consummately evil villain Iago, that culminates in one of the most deeply moving scenes in theatrical history. King Lear Here is the famous and moving tragedy of a king who foolishly divides his kingdom between his two wicked daughters and estranges himself from the young daughter who loves him–a theatrical spectacle of outstanding proportions. Macbeth No dramatist has ever seen with more frightening clarity into the heart and mind of a murderer than has Shakespeare in this brilliant and bloody tragedy of evil. Taunted into asserting his “masculinity” by his ambitious wife, Macbeth chooses to embrace the Weird Sisters’ prophecy and kill his king–and thus, seals his own doom. Each Edition Includes: • Comprehensive explanatory notes • Vivid introductions and the most up-to-date scholarship • Clear, modernized spelling and punctuation, enabling contemporary readers to understand the Elizabethan English • Completely updated, detailed bibliographies and performance histories • An interpretive essay on film adaptations of the play, along with an extensive filmography

Explore four of Shakespeare’s comedies like never before—with LEGO bricks! This book presents Shakespeare’s most delightful comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, The Taming of the Shrew, and The Tempest, in one thousand amazing color photographs. This unique adaptation of the world’s most famous plays stays true to Shakespeare’s original text, while giving audiences an exciting new perspective as the stories are retold with the universally beloved construction toy. Get caught up in hilarious misadventures as brick Puck leads the lovers astray through the brick forests of Athens. Watch Cupid kill with traps in the plot to marry Beatrice and Benedict. Marvel at the changing disguises of the men vying for brick Bianca’s affections, and feel the churn of the ocean as Prospero sinks his brother’s ship into the brick sea. These iconic stories jump off the page with fun, creative sets built brick by brick, scene by scene! This incredible method of storytelling gives new life to Shakespeare’s masterpieces. With an abridged form that maintains original Shakespearean language and modern visuals, this ode to the Bard is sure to please all audiences, from the most versed Shakespeare enthusiasts to young students and newcomers alike!

This updated Companion has been fully revised and includes an extensively overhauled bibliography and four new chapters by leading scholars.