William Shakespeare : complete works

Developed in partnership with The Royal Shakespeare Company, this fresh new Complete Works combines the very latest scholarship with elegant writing and design.

It boasts a wealth of features that will appeal to public and academic libraries, teachers, students and lovers of Shakespeare everywhere, including: a definitive modernized edition of Shakespeare's text based on the 1623 "First Folio" (the first and original Complete Works lovingly assembled by Shakespeare's fellow actors and the version of Shakespeare's text preferred by many actors and directors today); thought-provoking essays on each play and a superb general introduction by Professor Jonathan Bate; jargon-free on-page notes which explain words or references unfamiliar to modern audiences; photographs of classic or unusual performances; clear, single-column page design, with plenty of space for writing notes; and, a key facts 'box' for each play which summarises the plot, major roles, language and sources.

Leading the editorial team is renowned Shakespearean scholar Professor Jonathan Bate who has worked in close collaboration over many years with the artists and archivists at the RSC.His introductions and notes draw on a unique wealth of experience and resources and will help the reader to understand Shakespeare's plays as they were originally intended - as living theatre to be enjoyed and performed.