William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare, often hailed as one of the greatest playwrights and poets in the English language, was born in April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. His life spanned a vibrant period known as the Elizabethan era, during which he penned a remarkable collection of plays, sonnets, and poems that continue to resonate with audiences today. Shakespeare's works, ranging from the tragic depths of "Hamlet" to the whimsical charm of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," explore the complexities of human nature, love, and ambition, making them timeless treasures of literature.

Shakespeare's influence extends far beyond the stage; his inventive use of language and mastery of storytelling have left an indelible mark on literature and the arts. If you’re curious to dive into his world, this app offers a wonderful selection of his plays and poems, each inviting you to experience the rich tapestry of emotions and themes that have captivated readers and audiences for centuries. Enjoy the journey through his extraordinary works!

All's Well That Ends Well (version 2)

Read by Tony Addison 1.5
A fairy tale with real life consequences, All's Well That Ends Well concerns a poor physician's daughter who goes to Paris to heal the King …

William Shakespeare Twelfth Night 1998

4.8
Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeare's most optimistic comedies, where the world is turned on its head and authority is usurped by civil misr…

Henry IV Part 1

5
Henry IV, Part 1 is a compelling adaptation of William Shakespeare's classic play, originally aired on BBC World Service. This production, a…

William Shakespeare The Moor of Venice

2.5
William Shakespeare's tragedy, Othello, revolves around the title character and his passionate love for Desdemona, the daughter of a Venetia…

Sonnet 18

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 5
A LibriVox Weekly Poetry tribute to William Shakespeare marking the 400th anniversary of the Bard's death in April 2016.Two of Shakespeare'…

Venus and Adonis (Version 2)

Read by Thomas A. Copeland 2.2
Both Ovid and Spenser also treat this ancient myth, but Spenser alters the ending, converting the tale into an archetype of fulfilled love, …

Orson Welles and Ray Collins on The Columbia Workshop

Experience the early radio appearances of Orson Welles, including his remarkable adaptation of Hamlet, where he takes on the title role. Alo…

Measure for Measure (version 3)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 3.8
Measure for Measure is one of William Shakespeare's more enigmatic works. As one of the so-called "problem plays," it mixes a dark…

William Shakespeare Twelfth Night 1993

5
Twelfth Night is a magical tragi-comedy of love, music, and madness, where the world is turned upside-down. This delightful play features a …

King Lear - Globe Theatre - 2006

5
Experience the heart-wrenching tragedy of King Lear, recorded live at London's Globe Theatre. This production, a co-production between BBC W…

Othello (Version 2)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 3.5
Othello is a tragedy about the downfall of the titular hero, Othello, a Moorish general in the service of Venice. His cunning ensign, Iago, …

Beautiful Stories from Shakespeare - version 2

Read by ShrimpPhish 2.9
Adaptations of Shakespearian plays for young readers. - Summary by ShrimpPhish

Shakespeare Sonnet 29

Read by LibriVox Volunteers
LibriVox volunteers bring you 32 recordings of Sonnet 29 by William Shakespeare.This was the Fortnightly Poetry project for April 23, 2019.…

The Merry Wives of Windsor (version 2)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.5
After the character’s colorful exploits proved a rousing success in Henry IV, Part 1 and Henry IV, Part 2, William Shakespeare brought back …

The First Part of King Henry IV (version 2)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.8
After the events of Richard II, wherein the conceited King Richard II is dethroned and assassinated, Shakespeare’s Henriad continues apace w…

Shakespeare Monologues Collection vol. 13

Read by LibriVox Volunteers
This is the thirteenth collection of monologues from Shakespeare's plays. Our readers have chosen their favourite monologues from Shakespear…

The Life of King Henry V (version 2)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.2
Shakespeare’s famous second Henriad reaches its thrilling conclusion in this chronicle of King Henry V’s spirited leadership over his countr…

Henry IV Part 2

5
Shakespeare's Henry IV Part II is about the burden of power, old age, and atonement for the past as King Henry dies and Prince Hal accepts t…

Measure For Measure 2004

3
Measure for Measure is among the most passionately discussed of Shakespeare’s plays. In it, a duke temporarily removes himself from governin…

The History of Troilus and Cressida (version 2)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.7
The History of Troilus and Cressida has long baffled critics and audiences alike for its inconsistent tone, which ranges from bawdy comedy t…

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