Macbeth (Folger Shakespeare Library)

Shakespeare, William

ISBN 10: 0812416139 ISBN 13: 9780812416138

Publisher: Perfection Learning, 2003

Synopsis

Each edition includes: - Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play- Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play- Scene-by-scene plot summaries- A key to famous lines and phrases- An introduction to reading Shakespeare's language- An essay by an outstanding scholar providing a modern perspective on the play- Illustrations from the Folger Shakespeare Library's vast holdings of rare booksEssay by Susan SnyderThe Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., is home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs. For more information, visit www.folger.edu.

About this title

Review:

One of Shakespeare's greatest, but also bloodiest tragedies, was written around 1605 to 1606. Many have seen the story of Macbeth's murder and usurpation of the legitimate Scottish King Duncan as having obvious connection to contemporary issues regarding King James I (James VI of Scotland), and the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. King James was particularly fascinated with witchcraft, so the appearance of the witches chanting "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" at the opening of the play seemed particularly topical, as was Macbeth's betrayal of Banquo, from whom James claimed direct descent.

However, the play is clearly far more than a piece of royal entertainment. It is also a fast-moving and dramatically satisfying piece of theatre. Macbeth's existential struggle between loyalty to his King and his "Vaulting ambition" is fascinating to watch, as his is struggle with Lady Macbeth, and her own terrifying refusal of her maternal role. The play shows an intensification of Shakespeare's interest in mothers and their effect upon ruling masculinity, and also contains some of the most memorable speeches in the entire canon, including Macbeth's reflections that ultimately life "is a tale/Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,/Signifying nothing". --Jerry Brotton

Review:

"The explosive and overwhelming effect of a truck bomb...this horrific, riveting "Macbeth" ought to be seen by as many people as possible." -- Terry Teachout, "The Wall Street Journal"

""Macbeth" is a blast...ghoulish...beguiling...sardonic...an expression of how captivating an evening of crackling Shakespeare can be." -- Peter Marks, "The Washington Post"

About this edition

• Publisher: Perfection Learning
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0812416139
• ISBN 13: 9780812416138
• Binding: Library Binding
• Editor: Mowat Barbara A, Werstine PH D Paul