The Works of William Shakespeare

5B William Shakespeare, London: George Bell, 1887.

Notes

William Shakespeare (1564–1616) is widely regarded as one of the greatest playwrights and poets in Western literature. His body of work includes 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and several narrative poems, spanning a vast range of genres. His plays are typically categorized into tragedies, comedies, histories, and romances. Among his most famous tragedies are Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, and King Lear, each of which delves into complex human emotions such as ambition, jealousy, revenge, and the consequences of power. These works are noted for their exploration of the darker sides of human nature and often feature deeply flawed characters who experience significant moral or psychological turmoil.

Shakespeare's comedies, such as A Midsummer Night's Dream, Twelfth Night, and Much Ado About Nothing, are known for their witty dialogue, mistaken identities, and often lighthearted exploration of love, marriage, and social dynamics. His histories, including Richard III and Henry IV, dramatize the lives and reigns of English kings, combining political intrigue and moral lessons. Additionally, his romances like The Tempest and The Winter’s Tale blend elements of magic and redemption, showing a more hopeful side of human relationships. Beyond the plots, Shakespeare's genius lies in his use of language—his ability to craft powerful, enduring phrases and his profound influence on the English language, with many of his expressions still in common use today. His works remain fundamental to the study of literature, theater, and the human condition, celebrated for their timeless themes and enduring emotional impact.

Description

Full red Morocco binding, 9.5 inches tall. Sparking hard grain Morocco with gilt raised bands, fine gilt tooling to the panels. Gilt panels and ornate corner tooling framing a crest on the upper boards. Gilt dentelles and all edges. Marbled endpapers. Illustrated by W. Harvey. A splendid single volume edition.