Author
William Shakespeare
1564-1616
William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by William Shakespeare
Romeo and Juliet
"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare is a tragedy written between 1591 and 1595. Two young lovers from feuding Italian families meet and fall secretly in love in Verona. Their forbidden romance leads them to marry in secret with a friar's help, hoping to unite their warring households. But family hatred, violent duels, and tragic misunderstandings threaten to destroy their bond. This tale of star-crossed lovers has become the archetypal story of young love and remains one of Shakespeare's most frequently performed plays.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
"The Complete Works of William Shakespeare" by William Shakespeare is a comprehensive collection containing all of Shakespeare's plays and poems. This standard volume gathers the playwright's entire output, including histories, tragedies, and comedies that have shaped literature for centuries. Some editions feature collaborative works with other writers, though their authorship remains debated. Published by numerous academic presses and major publishers, these collected editions have become prized possessions for book collectors, often released in luxurious leather-bound formats that preserve Shakespeare's timeless literary legacy.
Hamlet
"Hamlet" by William Shakespeare is a tragedy written between 1599 and 1601. Set in Denmark, the play follows Prince Hamlet as he grapples with his father's sudden death and his mother's hasty marriage to his uncle Claudius. When a ghost resembling the late king appears and reveals a terrible secret about murder and betrayal, Hamlet vows revenge. But uncertainty, madness—feigned or real—and deadly court intrigue complicate his mission in this powerful exploration of vengeance, mortality, and human nature.
A Midsummer Night's Dream
"A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare is a comedy play written in about 1595 or 1596. Set in ancient Athens, the story weaves together multiple plots surrounding the wedding of Duke Theseus and Amazon Queen Hippolyta. Four young Athenian lovers become entangled in romantic confusion, while amateur actors rehearse a play for the wedding celebration. When both groups wander into an enchanted forest, mischievous fairies manipulate their affairs with magical potions, creating chaos under the moonlight as the fairy king and queen pursue their own domestic quarrel.
The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 3 of 9]
"The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 3 of 9]" by Shakespeare is a collection of plays written in the early 17th century. This volume includes prominent works such as "The Taming of the Shrew," "All's Well That Ends Well," "Twelfth Night; or, What You Will," and "The Winter's Tale," showcasing Shakespeare's mastery in comedy and drama. The likely topics revolve around themes of love, power dynamics in relationships, and societal expectations, along with richly drawn characters who navigate the complexities of courtship and familial duty. At the start of the volume, the opening scenes of "The Taming of the Shrew" introduce Christopher Sly, a drunken tinker who is the subject of a playful ruse by a lord and his servants, who seek to convince him that he is, in fact, a nobleman. This leads into the main narrative that focuses on the tempestuous relationship between Petruchio and Katharina, highlighting their initial conflicts and fiery exchanges. Meanwhile, Lucentio arrives in Padua, infatuated with Katharina's sister Bianca, setting the stage for a web of courtship entanglements influenced by the shrewish elder sister and her suitors. The juxtaposition of Sly’s comedic predicament and the serious romantic pursuits establishes a fascinating interplay between class, gender roles, and the dynamics of love.
Macbeth
"Macbeth" by William Shakespeare is a tragedy first performed in 1606. When a Scottish general receives a prophecy from three witches that he will become king, his ambition ignites. Spurred by his wife, Macbeth murders his way to the throne through violent betrayal. But seizing power proves easier than keeping it. Consumed by guilt and paranoia, the new king descends into tyranny and madness, committing further murders to secure his position. This dark exploration of ambition's corrupting force remains Shakespeare's shortest and most psychologically intense tragedy.
The Tempest The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [9 vols.]
"The Tempest" by William Shakespeare is a play written in 1610-1611. On a remote island, the exiled magician Prospero lives with his daughter Miranda and two servants—a monster and a spirit. When a ship carrying his treacherous brother passes nearby, Prospero conjures a storm that strands the passengers on his shores. He then sets in motion an intricate plan involving magic, romance, and manipulation to reclaim what was stolen from him, exploring themes of revenge, forgiveness, and redemption.
As You Like It
"As You Like It" by William Shakespeare is a pastoral comedy written in 1599. When Rosalind flees her uncle's court seeking safety, she ventures into the Forest of Arden with her cousin Celia. There they discover a world of memorable characters, including the melancholy philosopher Jaques, who delivers the famous speech "All the world's a stage." In this enchanted forest setting, persecution gives way to possibility as Rosalind navigates disguise, love, and the contrast between courtly life and country existence.
Love's Labour's Lost
"Love's Labour's Lost" by William Shakespeare is a comedy written in the mid-1590s. The King of Navarre and three companions vow to avoid women for three years to pursue study and fasting. Their oath crumbles when the Princess of France and her ladies arrive, sparking romantic entanglements. Through disguises, mistaken identities, and witty wordplay, the men pursue the women—only to face an unconventional ending when sudden news forces the ladies to demand a year's proof of devotion before any weddings can proceed.
Julius Caesar
"Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare is a historical tragedy written and first performed in 1599. The play dramatizes the conspiracy to assassinate the Roman dictator Julius Caesar and the civil war that follows. Though named after Caesar, the work centers on Brutus, whose struggle between personal loyalty and public duty drives the narrative. As conspirators strike and political rhetoric inflames the masses, the play explores ambition, power, and the fragility of republican government. Shakespeare draws a tense portrait of political morality where noble intentions collide with devastating consequences.
Shakespeare's Sonnets
"Shakespeare's Sonnets" by William Shakespeare is a collection of poems published in 1609. The work includes 154 sonnets, with sonnets 127-152 addressing a mysterious figure known as the Dark Lady, described as having black wiry hair and dark skin. These poems contrast sharply with earlier sonnets through their overtly sexual nature. The Dark Lady's true identity remains one of literature's enduring mysteries, with scholars debating whether she was a real person or purely Shakespeare's artistic invention.
The Merchant of Venice
"The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare is a play written between 1596 and 1598. When a Venetian merchant defaults on a loan from Jewish moneylender Shylock, who demands a pound of flesh as payment, fatal consequences loom. Though classified as a comedy, the play is best remembered for its dramatic scenes and Shylock's character. It features famous speeches on humanity and mercy, while sparking ongoing debate about whether the work is antisemitic in its portrayal of discrimination and justice.
Roméo et Juliette Tragédie
"Roméo et Juliette" by William Shakespeare is a tragedy written between 1591 and 1595. Two young lovers from feuding Italian families defy ancient hatred to pursue their forbidden romance. Set in Verona, their secret marriage sets off a chain of violence involving duels, banishment, and desperate schemes. As misunderstandings multiply and blood feuds escalate, the lovers face impossible choices between family loyalty and their devotion to each other. This archetypal tale of young love has become one of Shakespeare's most performed plays.
King Lear
"King Lear" by William Shakespeare is a tragedy written in late 1605 or early 1606. Set in pre-Roman Britain, the play follows King Lear's catastrophic decision to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on their declarations of love. When his youngest daughter speaks honestly rather than flatteringly, Lear disowns her, triggering a chain of betrayals, madness, and destruction. Known for its dark tone and themes of blindness and madness, the play is regarded as one of literature's greatest achievements.
Twelfth Night
"Twelfth Night" by William Shakespeare is a romantic comedy written around 1601–1602. When twins Viola and Sebastian are separated by shipwreck, Viola disguises herself as a young man and enters the service of Duke Orsino. A tangled love triangle emerges as Viola loves Orsino, Orsino pursues the mourning Countess Olivia, and Olivia falls for Viola's male disguise. Meanwhile, a comic subplot involves elaborate revenge against Olivia's pompous steward, Malvolio, through pranks and deception that spiral hilariously out of control.
Othello
"Othello" by William Shakespeare is a tragedy written around 1603. Set in Venice and Cyprus, the play follows Moorish military commander Othello as his trusted ensign Iago manipulates him into suspecting his wife Desdemona of infidelity. Through cunning deception and psychological manipulation, Iago exploits Othello's trust and plants seeds of jealousy that threaten to destroy everything. Widely considered one of Shakespeare's greatest works, this intense tragedy explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the devastating consequences of manipulation.
Much Ado about Nothing
"Much Ado about Nothing" by William Shakespeare is a comedy written in 1598 and 1599. Set in Messina, the play follows two romantic pairings among soldiers and townspeople. Claudio's love for Hero nearly crumbles under false accusations from the villain Don John. Meanwhile, the witty Benedick and Beatrice engage in a "merry war" of banter before being tricked into admitting their love for each other. Through gossip, eavesdropping, and deception, the play weaves secrets and misunderstandings into comedy and intrigue.
The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 7 of 9]
"The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 7 of 9]" by Shakespeare is a critical edition published between 1863 and 1866. This volume forms part of the landmark Cambridge Shakespeare series, edited by William George Clark, William Aldis Wright, and John Glover. Using the First Folio as their base text, the editors collated multiple early sources and modernized spelling while preserving Shakespeare's original grammar and metre. Each play includes detailed textual notes and variant readings from different early editions.
The Taming of the Shrew
"The Taming of the Shrew" by William Shakespeare is a comedy written between 1590 and 1592. The play follows Petruchio's courtship and "taming" of Katherina, a headstrong woman considered unmarriageable by other suitors. Through psychological and physical tactics, Petruchio transforms his unwilling bride into an obedient wife. Meanwhile, multiple men compete for Katherina's younger sister Bianca, the more desirable daughter. The play has sparked ongoing controversy about whether it promotes misogyny, yet remains one of Shakespeare's most frequently adapted works.
Antony and Cleopatra
"Antony and Cleopatra" by William Shakespeare is a tragedy first performed around 1607. The play follows the passionate relationship between Roman triumvir Mark Antony and Egypt's Queen Cleopatra, set against the backdrop of political upheaval and the War of Actium. As Antony neglects his duties for love, tensions rise with fellow triumvir Octavius Caesar. The work shifts between sensual Alexandria and austere Rome, featuring one of Shakespeare's most complex female characters. This Roman play blends elements of history, tragedy, and romance into an epic tale of love and power.
The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 8 of 9]
"The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 8 of 9]" by Shakespeare is a historical and literary collection of theatrical works written in the early 17th century. This volume specifically includes iconic plays such as "Hamlet," "King Lear," and "Othello," among others. The works explore themes of ambition, power struggles, love, and betrayal, with complex characters that resonate across time, such as the troubled Hamlet and the tragic King Lear. At the start of the volume, the section from "Hamlet" unfolds with a dark, atmospheric setting in Elsinore, where guards, including Francisco and Bernardo, encounter a ghost resembling the deceased King Hamlet. The tension builds as they summon Horatio to witness the spectral figure. The scene sets a tone of unease and raises questions about fate and the supernatural, laying the groundwork for the epic tragedy that follows as Hamlet grapples with the implications of his father's death and the unrest within Denmark. The opening introduces a political and emotional conflict that will drive the narrative forward, immersing readers in a world steeped in mystery and existential inquiry.
The New Hudson Shakespeare: Julius Cæsar
"The New Hudson Shakespeare: Julius Cæsar" by William Shakespeare is a historical tragedy written and first performed in 1599. The play dramatizes the conspiracy to assassinate Roman dictator Julius Caesar and the civil war that follows. While Caesar's name appears in the title, the story focuses on Brutus, whose inner conflict between personal loyalty and public duty drives the tragedy. Through political intrigue, persuasive rhetoric, and moral dilemmas, Shakespeare explores themes of power, ambition, and the fragility of republican government.
King Henry V
"King Henry V" by William Shakespeare is a history play written circa 1599. It follows the young King Henry V of England as he claims the French throne and leads his outnumbered army to face the French at the Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years' War. The final play in a tetralogy, it shows Henry's transformation from the wild prince of earlier plays into a determined warrior-king who must inspire his troops and bear the moral weight of leadership.
King Henry V Arranged for Representation at the Princess's Theatre
"King Henry V" by William Shakespeare is a history play written circa 1599. It follows the young English king as he invades France, claiming the throne through ancestral right. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Henry leads his weary army to face the French at Agincourt. The play explores themes of leadership, war, and moral responsibility as Henry transforms from his wild youth into a commanding ruler who must inspire his soldiers and secure an unlikely victory against overwhelming odds.