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!
Shakespeare's Sonnets (version 2)
Read by Chris Hughes
William Shakespeare
Shakespeare's Sonnets, or simply The Sonnets, comprise a collection of 154 poems in sonnet form written by William Shakespeare that deal wit…
Romeo and Juliet (version 3)
Read by Sam Stinson
William Shakespeare
Romeo and Juliet is an early tragedy by William Shakespeare about two teenage "star-cross'd lovers" whose "untimely deaths&qu…
The Tragedy of Macbeth (Version 2)
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William Shakespeare
Macbeth is a play written by William Shakespeare. It is considered one of his darkest and most powerful tragedies. Set in Scotland, the play…
The Winter's Tale
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William Shakespeare
Mad with jealousy, King Leontes of Sicilia orders his best friend Polixenes killed, his child abandoned, and his wife put on trial for adult…
Richard II
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William Shakespeare
Richard II by William Shakespeare is the first of eight plays that portray a historically-informed version of the War of the Roses - beginni…
Hamlet (version 3)
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William Shakespeare
The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. Set in the Kingdom of Denmark, the play dramatizes the revenge…
King Henry IV, Part 1
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William Shakespeare
King Henry IV, Part 1 is the second of Shakespeare’s eight Wars of the Roses history plays, with events following those of King Richard II. …
Hamlet (version 2)
Read by Sam Stinson
William Shakespeare
The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. Set in the Kingdom of Denmark, the play dramatizes the revenge…
King Lear (version 2)
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William Shakespeare
The Tragedy of King Lear is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. The title character descends into madness after foolishly disposing of his est…
Venus and Adonis (dramatic reading)
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William Shakespeare
Venus and Adonis is Shakespeare's narrative poem about the love of the goddess Venus for the mortal youth Adonis, dedicated partly to his pa…
Shakespeare's Sonnets (version 4)
Read by Elizabeth Klett
William Shakespeare
Shakespeare's sequence of 154 sonnets deals with such themes as love, time, death, immortality, lust, and sex. The poems follow but also dep…
All's Well That Ends Well
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William Shakespeare
Despite its optimistic title, Shakespeare's All's Well That Ends Well has often been considered a "problem play." Ostensibly a com…
Henry VIII
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William Shakespeare
This is Shakespeare's dutiful trubute to one of the most imposing and terrifying rulers in European history. The kingdom trembles as the gia…
Much Ado About Nothing (version 2)
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William Shakespeare
Much Ado About Nothing is generally considered one of Shakespeare’s best comedies, because it combines elements of robust hilarity with more…
Measure For Measure
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William Shakespeare
Generally considered one of Shakespeare's problem plays, Measure for Measure examines the ideas of sin and justice. Duke Vincentio turns Vie…
Love's Labour's Lost
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William Shakespeare
Love's Labour's Lost is an early comedy by William Shakespeare. The King of Navarre and his three friends take a vow of study and seclusion…
Titus Andronicus
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William Shakespeare
Titus Andronicus may be Shakespeare's earliest tragedy; it is believed to have been written in the early 1590s. It depicts a Roman general w…
The Merry Wives of Windsor
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William Shakespeare
The Merry Wives of Windsor is a comedy by William Shakespeare, first published in 1602, though believed to have been written prior to 1597. …
Coriolanus
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William Shakespeare
Shakespeare was passionately interested in the history of Rome, as is evident from plays like Titus Andronicus, Julius Caesar, and Antony an…
The Two Gentlemen of Verona
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William Shakespeare
The Two Gentlemen of Verona is the earliest comedy written by Shakespeare (and possibly his first play), probably written around 1590-91. I…