Tragic plays
Graphic Arts Books The Tragedy of Macbeth
Book SynopsisMacbeth, a successful solider, is visited by Three Witches who claim he will soon become king, but his ascension may be thwarted by other parties. Macbeth is driven by ambition and takes drastic steps to secure his place on the throne. After a successful military career in the Scottish army, Macbeth receives life-changing news. Three Witches deliver a prophesy stating that he will be the country’s future king. He shares this information with his wife, Lady Macbeth, who is intrigued by his fate. The duo is concerned about potential threats to his position including the king’s son Malcolm and the army captain, Banquo. Macbeth becomes obsessed with the prophesy, committing acts of violence towards the current King Duncan, his heir and the captain. As Macbeth’s desire for power grows, so does the bloodshed across the kingdom. Macbeth is a haunting prophecy that hinges on the moral decisions of its protagonist. This captivating story highlights the many flaws of man including ego, greed and fear. It’s a brilliant character-driven piece that’s one of Shakespeare’s most adapted and performed plays. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Macbeth is both modern and readable.
£6.37
Graphic Arts Books Julius Caesar
Book SynopsisJulius Caesar was a general and stateman whose favor among the Roman people was viewed as a threat and source of conflict with other consuls. He was eventually targeted by a group of conspirators who sought to neutralize his power and influence. After defeating his longtime enemy, Pompey, Caesar is celebrated upon his return home. Roman citizens are enamored by the general, while politicians are concerned with his growing accomplishments. They fear Caesar will become driven by ambition, coveting a position as the king of Rome. A group of conspirators, including the reluctant Brutus, create a plot to assassinate Caesar, effectively ending his rise to power. The action sparks civil unrest, leading to the discovery of the participants true motivations. William Shakespeare’s interpretation of Julius Caesar’s story is arguably the most famous version. It’s been adapted across various mediums including film and television. The story is ripe with deception and betrayal but also guilt and retribution. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Julius Caesar is both modern and readable.
£6.37
Graphic Arts Books The Tempest
Book SynopsisProspero is the rightful Duke of Milan, who was disposed by his brother Antonio and forced to flee the country with his young daughter, Miranda. For years, they have occupied a remote island that’s suddenly disturbed by his brother’s return. A ship carrying a group of passengers including King Alonso and Antonio, the Duke of Milan, crash on an isolated island. The land has been home to Prospero, Antonio’s brother who is also the rightful duke. Prospero has used magic to bring the men to him where he plans to enact his revenge. But he must navigate the romance between his daughter Miranda, and the king’s son, Ferdinand, as well as the growing resentment of his manservant Caliban. The Tempest centers a family in crisis alongside a budding love story. It’s a captivating tale full of magic and striking visuals that amplify the characters’ internal conflict. The play was famously adapted for film in 2010 with Oscar-winner Helen Mirren as Prospera, a female version of Prospero. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Tempest is both modern and readable.
£6.37
Graphic Arts Books The Tragedy of King Lear
Book SynopsisKing Lear is a prosperous but older man who plans to distribute his wealth among his three daughters in accordance to their declarations of love. Two shower him with compliments while the other is unable to participate in a false display of affection. King Lear decides to step down from the throne and gift his daughters with the spoils of his kingdom. As a test, the size of their inheritance will correlate with how well they flatter him. The two older children, Goneril and Regan, honor him with praise, but his youngest, Cordelia remains quiet. She genuinely loves her father but doesn’t engage in the pageantry. Due to her reluctance, King Lear disowns Cordelia, while his other daughters receive his riches. Once they are settled, Goneril and Regan, begin to marginalize their father, refusing to support him in his old age. This eventually drives him mad as he’s forced to acknowledge the error of his ways. The Tragedy of King Lear is a heartbreaking cautionary tale. The king’s downfall is a direct consequence of his own arrogance. It’s a powerful story that still resonates centuries after its first performance in the 1600s. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Tragedy of King Lear is both modern and readable.
£7.01
Graphic Arts Books The Famous Tragedy of the Rich Jew of Malta
Book SynopsisSet in Malta, a European island off the coast of Italy, The Famous Tragedy of the Rich Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe follows a rich Jewish merchant, Barabas, who enjoys the privileges that his wealth allows. When the governor of Malta, Ferneze, summons Barabas to his office, Barabas is intrigued and complies immediately. However, when the governor tells Barabas of a deal he is keeping with the Turks, Barabas is appalled. Ferneze demands that Barabas gives up half of his wealth in order to help the government pay tribute to the Turks, but the merchant refuses to cooperate, protesting the injustice. Filled with anger, Ferneze then decides to seize all of Barabas’ assets, including his home. Unable to dispute the decision, Barabas leaves to begin plotting his revenge. First, he is determined to recover the treasure he has hidden around his home, which Ferneze turned into a convent to mock Barabas’ own religious beliefs. After his plan to steal back some of the hidden fortune in his house is successful, Barabas begins to enact his revenge. Using his daughter as a pawn, Barabas promises to marry her to two men. As Barabas continues his cunning scheme to harm Ferneze, a chain of tragedies ensues, involving manipulation, murder, and even the threat of war. Christopher Marlowe’s The Famous Tragedy of the Rich Jew of Malta was an immediate success following its first performance in 1592. Compelled by the drama, characterization and the complex themes of religion, class, capitalism, and prejudice, audiences have been invested in Marlowe’s tragedy for centuries. This edition of The Famous Tragedy of the Rich Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe is now presented in an easy-to-read font and features a striking new cover decision, creating an accessible reading experience. With these accommodations, The Famous Tragedy of the Rich Jew of Malta is restored to modern standards while the original genius and vivid imagery of Marlowe’s work is preserved.
£6.37
Pan Macmillan Paradise
Book Synopsis‘Tempest has a gift for shattering and transcending convention.’ New York TimesPhiloctetes lives in a cave on a desolate island: the wartime hero is now a wounded outcast. Stranded for ten years, he sees a chance of escape when a young soldier appears with tales of Philoctetes’ past glories. But with hope comes suspicion – and, as an old enemy emerges, he is faced with an even greater temptation: revenge.Kae Tempest is now widely acknowledged as a revolutionary force in contemporary British poetry, music and drama; they continue to expand the range of their work with a new version of Sophocles’ Philoctetes in a bold new translation. Like Brand New Ancients before it, Paradise shows Tempest’s gift for lending the old tales an immediate contemporary relevance – and will find this timeless story a wide new audience.Trade ReviewTempest . . . doesn't just leap off the page, but leaps into your throat and demands to be shouted all the way out. -- Marlon JamesOne of the brightest British talents around. [Tempest's] spoken-word performances have the metre and craft of traditional poetry, the kinetic agitation of hip-hop and the intimacy of a whispered heart-to-heart . . . drawing on ancient mythology and sermonic cadence to tell stories of the everyday * Guardian *Tempest stitches together words with such animate grace that language acquires an almost tactile quality . . . [An] hypnotically persuasive vision * New York Times *Breathe[s] new life into old classic forms . . . I loved its vision, powerful and merciful. -- Ali Smith, on Brand New Ancients
£9.89
Broadview Press Ltd King Lear
Book SynopsisKing Lear is a play for our times. The central characters experience intense suffering in a hostile and unpredictable world. They face domestic cruelty, political defeat, and a stormy external environment that invades them 'to the skin.' They constantly question the meaning of their experiences as we watch their emotions range from despair to rage to unexpected tenderness and desperate hope as they are rejected, even tortured. Lear's daughters, as in a fairy tale, are three strong women. The elder two vie for sexual and political power, while the youngest, Cordelia, is initially banished because of her plain speaking, then returns in a doomed attempt to restore her father to his throne. King Lear has an unusual performance history. It was significantly revised, by Shakespeare or others, between its first two publications, and was then succeeded by an adaptation that softened the ending so that Lear and Cordelia survived. In our own times King Lear is performed around the world in productions that explore its relevance to contemporary political and environmental challenges. This edition offers a distinctive 'extended' text, taking the later Folio as a starting point and adding the lines that appear only in the Quarto, distinguished by a light gray background. Variations in individual words that are of critical interest are recorded in the margin.Trade Review“The Broadview King Lear is an excellent edition for students and readers of all ages. It provides a useful, unobtrusive view of the two early versions of Shakespeare’s play-text, a clear and perceptive introduction to some key aspects of that play and to Shakespeare in general, compact glosses of words that might puzzle modern readers, and a well-chosen array of relevant documents that put the play into its key contexts.” — Robert N. Watson, University of California, Los Angeles“This King Lear stands out for its educationally wise and theatrically astute text. The editors generously supply a cornucopia of supplementary material from historical documents, prior and contemporary historical narratives, and poetic and dramatic sources. The section on past theatrical productions is so well conceived and written that it creates a sense of eye-witnessed events for both new readers and experienced theater buffs. Unlike any previous edition I’ve seen, here the display and explanation of Quarto and Folio variants appear as imaginative invitations rather than as interruptions or confusions to a reader’s movement through the play. Because they are so well presented, these often small-scale but occasionally quite extended textual alternatives from the earliest versions will enlighten new readers and intrigue experienced teachers and players. The variant passages with their notes together reveal themselves as working guides through the practicalities and creative possibilities of staging plays in Shakespeare’s time.” — Steven Urkowitz, Emeritus Professor, English and Theater, City College of New YorkTable of ContentsAppendix A: Shakespeare's Sources 1. 'The Most Indispensable Thing': A Folk Tale from Germany 2. From Geoffrey of Monmouth, History of the Kings of Britain (c. 1136) 3. From John Higgins, The Mirror for Magistrates (1575) 4. From Thomas Norton and Thomas Sackville, Gorboduc (1562) 5. From Raphael Holinshed, Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland (1587) 6. From Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene (1590) 7. From The History of King Leir (c. 1594) 8. From Sir Philip Sidney, The Arcadia (1590) 9. From Samuel Harsnett, A Declaration of Egregious Popish Impostures (1603) Appendix B: Literary, Social, and Historical Contexts 1. From Aristotle, Poetics (c. 330 BCE) 2. From Geoffrey Chaucer, 'The Monk's Tale' (c. 1400) 3. From Sir Philip Sidney, The Defense of Poetry (1579) 4. From The Book of Job 5. From John Knox, The First Blast of the Trumpet (1588) 6. From King James, Basilikon Doron (1603) 7. Selections from Jest Books (a) From A Hundred Mery Talys (1526) (b) From Richard Tarlton, Tarlton's Jests (1638) 8. Attitudes to Bastards in Shakespeare's Time (a) A Ballad of the Birth of the Monstrous Child (1562) (b) John Lyly Passes on the Advice of Plutarch (sixteenth century) (c) From Richard Jones, The Book of Honor and Arms (1590) (d) Shakespeare's Bastards 9. Attitudes to Aging in the Renaissance (a) From Youth and Age (fifteenth century) (b) From Psalm 90 (c) Montaigne on Aging Parents (1580) (d) Shakespeare and Old Age Appendix C: Critical ReceptionAppendix D: King Lear's Afterlife1. From Nahum Tate, King Lear (1681)
£17.05
David Zwirner William Shakespeare × Chris Ofili: Othello
Book SynopsisOthello is one of Shakespeare’s most contemporary and moving plays, with its emphasis on race, revenge, murder, and lost love. Chris Ofili’s new edition highlight’s the tragedy of Othello’s plight in ways no other previous edition of this play has.In twelve etchings Ofili has produced to illustrate this play, Othello is depicted with tears in his eyes, which flow below various scenes visualized in his forehead. Ofili asks us to see in Othello the great injustices that still plague the world today. These images add feeling to Shakespeare’s words, and together they form their own hybrid object—something between a book and a visual retelling of the tragedy. With a foreword by the renowned critic Fred Moten, this edition is the first of its kind and puts Othello’s blackness and interiority front and center, forcing us to confront the complex world that ultimately dooms him.The first play in the Seeing Shakespeare, Othello is illustrated by English contemporary artist Chris Ofili. Future titles in the series include A Midsummer Night’s Dream illustrated by Marcel Dzama, and The Merchant of Venice with images by Jordan Wolfson.
£18.70
Oldcastle Books Ltd Romeo & Juliet
Book SynopsisRomeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou.... Oh wait, he's hanging around in the garden again. Will young Romeo and his Juliet ever be able to express their raging hormones? Or will their feuding families make this romance blossom into a poisoned flower? Either way, both their houses are totally plagued!
£6.99
Liverpool University Press Euripides: Electra
Book SynopsisKing Agamemnon is long dead and his killers rule at Argos. Orestes returns from exile to avenge his father by killing his mother Clytemnestra and her seducer Aegisthus. His vengeance will release his sister Electra from oppression and restore Orestes to his home and kingdom. This is the only episode from Greek legend treated in surviving plays by all three of the great Athenian tragedians of the fifth century B.C. — Aeschylus in his Libation-bearers (part of the Oresteia trilogy), Sophocles and Euripides each in plays named Electra. The three plays provide a unique record of development and divergence in the content and style of Athenian tragic drama. In Euripides' hands the story becomes a tragedy of all too human emotions and illusions. Orestes' revenge is subordinated to Electra's hatred and resentment of her mother and the usurper. Clytemnestra's death brings not joy and restoration but revulsion, separation and renewed exile. Unwarned by the gods, Electra and Orestes recognise too late the human costs of executing Apollo's justice. This edition of Euripides' play was first published in 1988. The second edition is extensively revised to reflect more recent work on the text of the play and its interpretation. Greek text with facing-page English translation, introduction and commentary.Trade Review'A quarter of a century after it was first published, Martin Cropp’s commentary on Euripides’ Electra now appears in a fully revised and updated version. This is a fine book, and everyone interested in Euripides – even if they already own the first edition – should acquire a copy.'P. J. Finglass, University of Nottingham, Bryn Mawr Classical Review, 2013.09.40Table of ContentsGeneral Editor’s ForewordPreface to the Second EditionIntroduction: A view of the play Dramatic Design: Structure; actors and minor characters; the Chorus; location and staging; thematic motifs Euripides and the Oresteia tradition The date of the play Greek text and critical apparatusText and Translation Commentary Abbreviations and references General Bibliography for EuripidesIndex
£27.99
Pan Macmillan King Lear
Book SynopsisIn Shakespeare's thrilling and hugely influential tragedy, ageing King Lear makes a capricious decision to divide his realm between his three daughters according to the love they express for him. Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition is illustrated throughout by Sir John Gilbert, and includes an introduction by Dr Robert Mighall.When the youngest daughter refuses to take part in this charade, she is banished, leaving the king dependent on her manipulative and untrustworthy sisters. In the scheming and recriminations that follow, not only does the king's own sanity crumble, but the stability of the realm itself is also threatened.Trade ReviewEvery generation continues to be in his debt. Shakespeare’s plots, which are brilliantly polyvalent, continue to inspire ceaseless adaptations and spin-offs. His unforgettable phrase-making recurs on the lips of millions who do not realise they are quoting Shakespeare * Guardian *
£9.49
Pan Macmillan King Richard III
Book SynopsisShakespeare’s skillful manipulation of events and people makes Richard III a chilling incarnation of the lure of evil and the temptation of power.Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition is illustrated throughout by Sir John Gilbert, and includes an introduction by Ned Halley.Richard, Duke of Gloucester – the bitter, deformed brother of the King – is secretly plotting to seize the throne of England. Charming and duplicitous, powerfully eloquent and viciously cruel, he is prepared to go to any lengths to achieve his goal.Trade ReviewEvery generation continues to be in his debt. Shakespeare’s plots, which are brilliantly polyvalent, continue to inspire ceaseless adaptations and spin-offs. His unforgettable phrase-making recurs on the lips of millions who do not realise they are quoting Shakespeare * Guardian *
£9.49
Aurora Metro Publications Paved with Gold and Ashes: play
Book SynopsisSome say the streets of New York City are paved with gold, full of wealth and opportunity. In 1911, five young immigrant women search for their promise of the American Dream while working at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. But battling poverty and dangerous working conditions, can they keep their dreams alive? Or will it all turn to ashes?Trade Review***** “Thurston’s writing provides an unflinching mirror to today.” – Broadway Baby; ***** “This is a beautiful piece of storytelling.” – Plays To See; ***** “As the audience left this impressive production, I could hear some of them talking about Grenfell, reminding us how little things have changed in over a hundred years.” – British Theatre GuideTable of ContentsAuthor biography Theatre company information and actor biographies Author preface to the play Playtext
£9.49
Simon & Schuster Titus Andronicus
Book SynopsisThe authoritative edition of Titus Andronicus from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers.Titus Andronicus is the earliest tragedy and the earliest Roman play attributed to Shakespeare. Titus, a model Roman, has led twenty-one of his twenty-five sons to death in Rome’s wars; he stabs another son to death for what he views as disloyalty to Rome. Yet Rome has become “a wilderness of tigers.” After a death sentence is imposed on two of his three remaining sons, and his daughter is raped and mutilated, Titus turns his loyalty toward his family. Aaron the Moor, a magnificent villain and the empress’s secret lover, makes a similar transition. After the empress bears him a child, Aaron devotes himself to preserving the baby. Retaining his thirst for evil, he shows great tenderness to his little family—a tenderness that also characterizes Titus before the terrifying conclusion. This edition includes: -Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play -Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play -Scene-by-scene plot summaries -A key to the play’s famous lines and phrases -An introduction to reading Shakespeare’s language -An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play -Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Library’s vast holdings of rare books -An annotated guide to further reading Essay by Alexander Leggatt The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs. For more information, visit Folger.edu.
£9.49
Prakash Books Greatest Tragedies of Shakespeare
Book Synopsis
£17.99
