Macbeth is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. Set mainly in Scotland, the play dramatises the damaging physical and psychological effects of political ambition on those who seek power for its own sake. The play is believed to have been written between 1599 and 1606. The earliest account of a performance of what was probably Shakespeare's play is April 1611, when Simon Forman recorded seeing such a play at the Globe Theatre. It was first published in the Folio of 1623, possibly from a prompt book. It was most likely written during the reign of James I, who had been James VI of Scotland before he succeeded to the English throne in 1603. James was a patron of Shakespeare's acting company, and of all the plays Shakespeare wrote during James's reign, Macbeth most clearly reflects the playwright's relationship with the sovereign.

A study edition of 'Romeo and Juliet', featuring facing notes, activities, text graded by importance and illustrations.

Product Description: A dark, rainy day in Scotland, long ago. Returning from battle, Macbeth and his friend Banquo meet three witches. Macbeth, the king! they say, but Macbeth is not a king, he is just a simple soldier. Macbeth and Banquo cannot forget the witches' words...read more

The design behind the Shakespeare Handbooks is simple: Reading or watching Shakespeare is an experience to be enjoyed to the full. By guiding readers through the difficulties of plot and language, the Handbooks leave them free to enjoy the depth, beauty, and vitality of Shakespeare’s works. Each handbook covers a single play and includes: A complete, straightforward description of the plot, scene by scene, in language that is clear, lively, and concise; Quotations from the text, with explanations of unfamiliar words or phrases; Some thought-provoking facts and ideas about the play, and a few comments from critics, past and present. Taken together, the Shakespeare Handbooks provide a handy introduction for uninitiated theatergoers, film watchers, and readers as well as students of English literature.

The design behind the Shakespeare Handbooks is simple: Reading or watching Shakespeare is an experience to be enjoyed to the full. By guiding readers through the difficulties of plot and language, the Handbooks leave them free to enjoy the depth, beauty, and vitality of Shakespeare’s works. Each handbook covers a single play and includes: A complete, straightforward description of the plot, scene by scene, in language that is clear, lively, and concise; Quotations from the text, with explanations of unfamiliar words or phrases; Some thought-provoking facts and ideas about the play, and a few comments from critics, past and present. Taken together, the Shakespeare Handbooks provide a handy introduction for uninitiated theatergoers, film watchers, and readers as well as students of English literature.

Product Description: In this handbook for Romeo and Juliet, Alistair McCallum guides readers through the difficulties of plot and language, leaving them free to enjoy the depth, beauty, and vitality of Shakespeare's work. It is a superb introduction to the play.

Product Description: In this handbook for Hamlet, Alistair McCallum guides readers through the difficulties of plot and language, leaving them free to enjoy the depth, beauty, and vitality of Shakespeares work. It is a superb introduction to the play.