The Oxford Shakespeare offers authoritative editions of William Shakespeare, designed to make the plays accessible and insightful for modern readers. This edition features a modern, original-spelling text based on the 1608 Quarto edition and extensive notes that clarify meaning, performances, and cultural references.
The edition is richly illustrated with production photographs and artworks and includes additional texts such as 'The Ballad of King Lear' with related variants. A detailed introduction discusses composition, sources, and evolving critical insights.
Key features
- Modern text, based on the Quarto edition of 1608
- Commentary and notes on the pages
- Extensive introduction on background and reception
- Illustrations of productions and fine art
- Includes 'The Ballad of King Lear' and related additions
- Complete index in the introduction and commentary
- Durable sewn binding
Specifications
- Author: William Shakespeare
- Series: Oxford World's Classics
- Publisher: Oxford University Press
- Publication date: April 17, 2008
- Number of pages: 336
- ISBN: 9780199535828
- Theme: Classic plays / drama
- BISAC: DRAMA / Shakespeare
About the author
Stanley Wells was responsible for the Oxford Shakespeare division during the preparation of the Complete Works and is a former director of the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon.