Tragedies

This comprehensive anthology provides every single one of Shakespeare's tragedy plays, from the earliest "Titus Andronicus" to "Coriolanus." Follow one of the greatest love stories ever told in perhaps his most widely known play, "Romeo and Juliet." In this classic tale, the two young lovers are members of feuding families, but they believe that their love transcends their families' hate. In "Othello," a Moorish general in the Venetian army is destroyed because of the jealousy and envy that his ensign Iago holds for the distinguished Othello. "Antony and Cleopatra" is a love story about the two real-life lovers Mark Antony of Rome and Queen Cleopatra of Egypt. It is a story of jealousy, power, and death as the two lovers must deal with political unrest amidst their passionate love affair. Other plays included in the collection are "Hamlet," "Julius Caesar," and "Macbeth." In typical Shakespearian fashion the tragedy of these plays is underscored by the fact that in many cases it could have been avoided if not for the fatal flaws of the principal characters. "The Complete Plays (The Tragedies: Volume I of III)" reminds readers of the genius that Shakespeare had for seeing the tragic consequences that men's choices often create for themselves.

These timeless plays by the great Bard of Elizabethan drama explore the hubris of four powerful men who ultimately bring about their own undoing. Richard III: Through coldblooded guile, hunchbacked royal Richard III assumes the throne of England and will stop at nothing to maintain his rule. But he will pay a price for his machinations in this historical play set in the era of the Wars of the Roses. Coriolanus: The common people of the Roman Republic are rebelling against the elite, but war hero Coriolanus has no patience for those he considers beneath him. When this contempt leads to his exile, his thirst for revenge threatens the very state he once served. King Lear: An aged king attempts to shake off his responsibilities while retaining his stature. Rewarding the flattery of his two elder daughters even as he banishes his youngest for speaking the truth, Lear is led into exile and madness as his country descends into civil war. Julius Caesar: Roman general Julius Caesar is basking in the glow of military triumph-but his friend Brutus has fallen in with a band of conspirators who argue the general's ambitions may soon give way to tyranny. Agreeing to join in Caesar's assassination, Brutus's betrayal unleashes tragic consequences.

Four plays by the revered Elizabethan dramatist tell of men driven to evil by ambition and jealousy-and of one who escapes the dangers of bad influence. Othello: A powerful general in the Venetian army, Othello the Moor is despised by his scheming ensign, Iago, who devises a plan to destroy him. Newly married to Desdemona, Othello is led to believe she has been unfaithful-and his jealous rage leads to tragic consequences. Macbeth: When three witches foretell that Macbeth will be king of Scotland, he does not wait for destiny to run its course. Instead, he and his wife plot to kill the presiding king, an act that will realize their ambitions-and bring them to ruin. Henry IV Part One: This historical play chronicles the rebellions faced by the medieval king of England Henry IV, as well asthe maturation of his son, Prince Hal. The prince indulges in a carefree life with the comical rogue Falstaff but must eventually cast aside his recklessness and live up to his royal destiny. Henry IV Part Two: As Henry IV's health grows weaker, Prince Hal's ability to assume the crown remains in doubt. The prince's friendship with the drunk and thieving Falstaff threatens to be his undoing. Now he faces a choice that will determine not only his own future, but also that of England.