Member-only story

The Complete Plays Penguin Classics: A Comprehensive Review

Hamilton Bell

·4.8k Followers· Follow

Published in The Complete Plays (Penguin Classics)

4 min read

1k View Claps

68 Respond

Save

Listen

Penguin Classics' The Complete Plays is a comprehensive collection of William Shakespeare's plays, offering readers a definitive resource for studying and appreciating the Bard's unparalleled literary genius. This acclaimed edition, edited by renowned Shakespearean scholar Stanley Wells and Gary Taylor, presents all 38 of Shakespeare's known plays, as well as his sonnets and narrative poems.

The Complete Plays (Penguin Classics)

by Christopher Marlowe

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4735 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	752 pages

Editorial Approach

The Complete Plays Penguin Classics is distinguished by its rigorous editorial approach. Wells and Taylor have meticulously collated the most authoritative texts, drawing on the First Folio (1623) and subsequent quartos to establish a reliable and accurate foundation. Their editorial notes, which accompany each play, provide valuable insights into the textual history, critical interpretations, and performance practices surrounding Shakespeare's works.

Textual Reliability

The textual integrity of The Complete Plays Penguin Classics is paramount. Wells and Taylor have strived to preserve the authenticity of Shakespeare's language, while simultaneously making it accessible to modern readers. The text is presented in a clear and readable font, with modernized spelling and punctuation, but without compromising the playwright's original intent.

Significance as a Definitive Collection

The Complete Plays Penguin Classics stands as a definitive collection of Shakespeare's plays, offering a comprehensive overview of his literary output. By bringing together all of his known works in a single volume, this edition provides readers with the opportunity to trace the evolution of Shakespeare's artistry, from his early comedies to his later tragedies and romances.

Detailed Analysis

To fully appreciate the significance of The Complete Plays Penguin Classics, it is essential to examine its contents in greater detail. The collection is organized chronologically, starting with Shakespeare's early comedies, such as "The Taming of the Shrew" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream." As readers progress through the volume, they encounter the playwright's more mature works, including "Hamlet," "King Lear," and "Macbeth."

In addition to the plays themselves, The Complete Plays Penguin Classics includes a wealth of supplementary materials. These include a detailed by Wells and Taylor, which provides an overview of Shakespeare's life and career, as well as a thorough glossary and index. The edition also features helpful appendices, such as a chronology of Shakespeare's plays and a guide to further reading.

The Complete Plays Penguin Classics is an essential resource for anyone interested in studying or appreciating Shakespeare's works. Its rigorous editorial approach, textual reliability, and comprehensive contents make it a definitive collection that will stand the test of time. Whether you are a student, a scholar, or simply an avid reader, The Complete Plays Penguin Classics is an invaluable tool that will enrich your understanding and enjoyment of Shakespeare's literary legacy.