The Signet Classics edition of Shakespeare's timeless tragedy of conspiracy and betrayal. In the first of his Roman history plays, the Bard tells the story of the murder of emperor Julius Caesar and the gruesome aftermath as ancient Rome descends into a violent mob. This title in the Signet Classics Shakespeare series includes: • An overview of Shakespeare's life, world, and theater • A special introduction to the play by the editors, William and Barbara Rosen • Selections from Plutarch's Lives of Noble Grecians and Romans, the source from which Shakespeare derived Julius Caesar • Dramatic criticism from Roy Walker, Maynard Mack, Richard David, and others • A comprehensive stage and screen history of notable actors, directors, and productions of Julius Caesar • Text, notes, and commentaries printed in the clearest, most readable format • Recommended readings

Shakespeare's 'Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet' is a poignant exploration of youthful love, fate, and the destructive power of familial feuds, set against the backdrop of Renaissance Verona. Shakespeare's use of poetic language, including intricate metaphors and iambic pentameter, enhances the emotional depth of the characters, particularly in their ardent expressions of love and despair. The play embodies key elements of Elizabethan tragedy, drawing on classical influences while challenging societal norms regarding love, duty, and honor through its dramatic structure and lyrical dialogue. William Shakespeare, regarded as one of the greatest playwrights in history, wrote 'Romeo and Juliet' during a period marked by an evolving social landscape and a burgeoning interest in human emotion. The intense personal experiences and existential themes interwoven in his works suggest a preoccupation with the intersection of personal desires and societal constraints. Shakespeare's own life, marked by the complexities of love, loss, and societal expectation, perhaps informed his exploration of these themes in this tragic tale. 'Romeo and Juliet' is essential reading for anyone intrigued by the complexities of human emotion and the consequences of entrenched enmity. Its timeless themes of love and conflict resonate profoundly with contemporary audiences, making it a seminal work that continues to inspire, challenge, and captivate readers and viewers alike.

In "Fiesco; or, the Genoese Conspiracy," Friedrich Schiller unfolds a gripping historical drama set against the backdrop of 16th-century Genoa, interweaving themes of ambition, betrayal, and the struggle for power. The play employs a rich, emotive language reflective of Schiller'Äôs neoclassical style, fusing Sturm und Drang's intensity with philosophical underpinnings. With its intricate characterizations and moral dilemmas, the play not only captivates the reader'Äôs imagination but also serves as a commentary on the nature of tyranny and the human condition, echoing classical tragedies and invoking poetic musings on freedom and responsibility. Friedrich Schiller, a seminal figure in German literature, was profoundly influenced by the sociopolitical turbulence of his time, including the French Revolution and the quest for individual liberty. His background as a soldier, playwright, and philosopher provided him with a unique lens through which to explore existential themes, driving him to create works that challenge societal norms and inspire moral contemplation. Schiller'Äôs passion for history and its capacity to reflect human nature is palpably present in this play. This play is recommended for those interested in a blend of historical narrative and psychological depth. Schiller's meticulous construction of character arcs offers profound insights into ambition and ethical choice, making "Fiesco" a compelling read for enthusiasts of drama and history alike.

William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" is a richly woven tapestry of human emotion that intertwines themes of mercy, justice, and the complexities of societal prejudice. Written in the late 16th century, this play exemplifies the intricacies of Shakespearean style, incorporating both prose and verse to explore the lives of its diverse characters, notably Shylock, the Jewish moneylender, and Antonio, the merchant. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Venice, the play examines the tension between mercy and law, challenging audiences to grapple with moral ambiguities while engaging in sharp wit and compelling dialogues. Shakespeare, born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, was influenced by the political and religious climate of his time, wherein anti-Semitic sentiments were prevalent. His exploration of Shylock's character serves as a poignant lens through which he critiques societal norms, revealing deep empathy amidst the era's prevalent biases. Shakespeare's diverse experiences—ranging from theatrical performances to interactions with various social classes—probably shaped his insightful portrayal of both the triumphs and tribulations of human relationships. For anyone drawn to the depths of human experience, "The Merchant of Venice" offers a powerful exploration of justice and mercy that remains relevant in contemporary discussions on tolerance and prejudice. A must-read for literature aficionados and casual readers alike, this play invites a nuanced examination of the human condition and the societal constructs that shape our interactions.

The Seven Against Thebes Aeschylus - The Seven Against Thebes is the third play in an Oedipus-themed trilogy produced by Aeschylus in 467 BC. The bulk of the play consists of rich dialogues between the citizens of Thebes and their king Eteocles regarding the threat of the hostile army before their gates. The trilogy is sometimes referred to as the Oedipodea. It concerns the battle between an Argive army led by Polynices and the army of Thebes led by Eteocles and his supporters. The trilogy won the first prize at the City Dionysia. Its first two plays, Laius and Oedipus as well as the satyr play Sphinx are no longer extant.

In "Much Ado about Nothing," William Shakespeare masterfully intertwines themes of love, deception, and the complexities of human relationships against the vibrant backdrop of Messina. The play juxtaposes the comedic and the serious through witty banter and intricate wordplay, especially evident in the spirited exchanges between Beatrice and Benedick. Shakespeare employs a rich tapestry of characters and a compelling narrative structure that oscillates between farce and poignant moments, revealing the intricacies of courtship and the pernicious effects of rumor and misunderstanding within a society steeped in honor and reputation. William Shakespeare, an iconic figure of the English Renaissance, wrote this work during a period when the genre of romantic comedy was flourishing. His deep understanding of human nature, honed through years of observing societal dynamics, allows him to craft nuanced characters that resonate with modern audiences. With sharp insight into gender roles and social customs, he reflects the tensions surrounding love and fidelity, drawing inspiration from classical sources and Elizabethan social commentary. "Much Ado about Nothing" is essential reading for anyone interested in the interplay of romance and wit, showcasing Shakespeare's unparalleled ability to blend humor and pathos. This timeless comedy not only entertains but also invites readers to reflect on the enduring nature of love and the folly inherent in human relationships, making it a captivating addition to both academic study and personal enjoyment.

The Signet Classics edition of William Shakespeare's controversial comedy. Featuring the tumultuous relationship of Petruchio and the headstrong Katherina, this popular comedy goes beyond courtship to explore what happens after a determined man marries a woman who refuses to be tamed. This revised Signet Classics edition includes unique features such as: • An overview of Shakespeare's life, world, and theater • A special introduction to the play by the editor, Robert B. Heilman • Sources from which Shakespeare derived The Taming of the Shrew • Dramatic criticism from Richard Hosley, Maynard Mack, Germaine Greer, and others • A comprehensive stage and screen history of notable actors, directors, and productions • Text, notes, and commentaries printed in the clearest, most readable text • And more...

The Italian playwright’s masterful comedy interrogating the meaning of madness is reimagined in this translation by the author of Leopoldstadt. In this meeting of two of the twentieth century’s greatest playwrights, Tom Stoppard has reinvigorated Luigi Pirandello’s masterpiece exploring the nature of madness and the limits of sanity. After a fall from his horse, an Italian aristocrat believes he is the obscure medieval German emperor Henry IV. After twenty years of living this royal illusion, his beloved appears with a noted psychiatrist to shock the madman back to sanity. Their efforts expose that for the past twelve years the nobleman has in fact been sane. With his mask of madness unveiled, the aristocrat launches an offensive to deflect their unwanted attention. While Pirandello’s characters verbally spar in Stoppardian flourishes, battling for the upper hand—and the greatest laughs—one question emerges: What constitutes sanity?

Luigi Pirandello's seminal play, "Six Characters in Search of an Author," embodies the essence of modernist theatre through its innovative blending of reality and illusion. This metafictional work introduces six characters abandoned by their creator, who intrude upon a rehearsal in search of an author to give them life and a coherent narrative. The play's fragmented structure and disjointed dialogue reflect the existential crises of its characters, while simultaneously challenging the conventions of dramatic form and building a bridge to the absurd theatre movement. Its exploration of identity, authorship, and the nature of reality places it within the broader context of early 20th-century literary upheavals, making it a precursor to postmodern themes. Pirandello, an Italian novelist and playwright, experienced personal losses and societal changes that deeply influenced his writing. His background in philosophy and psychology, along with his own struggles with existential questions, informed his exploration of the human condition and the fluidity of identity. Pirandello's experience with the theatrical world often serves as a backdrop for his examination of the complexities of existence and the nature of reality, as evidenced in this groundbreaking play. "Six Characters in Search of an Author" is essential reading for anyone interested in the evolution of modern drama and the themes of identity and creation. Its poignant humor and psychological depth invite readers and audiences alike to reflect on the characters'Äô plight, making it a timeless exploration of the human experience. Scholars and casual readers will find this work both thought-provoking and entertaining, providing a profound commentary on the interrelationship between creators and their characters.

The Signet Classics edition of the tragedy that features one of Shakespeare's greatest female characters. A magnificent drama of passion and war, this riveting play presents the complicated relationship between the seductive, cunning Egyptian queen Cleopatra and the Roman leader Mark Antony, a man torn between an empire and love. This revised Signet Classics edition includes unique features such as: • An overview of Shakespeare's life, world, and theater • A special introduction to the play by the editor, Sylvan Barnet • A selection from Plutarch's Lives of Noble Grecians and Romans, the source from which Shakespeare derived Antony and Cleopatra • Dramatic criticism from Samuel Johnson, A. C. Bradley, John F. Danby, and others • A comprehensive stage and screen history of notable actors, directors, and productions • Text, notes, and commentaries printed in the clearest, most readable text • And more...