The Contemporary Shakespeare Series

Book 1

Hamlet

by A. L. Rowse

Published 16 April 1984

A modernized text updates the usage and grammar of Shakespeare's classic play about revenge, family loyalty, madness, and decisiveness.

Book 8

Based on an HBO animated series, these condensations emphasize the dramatic content of some of Shakespeare's best known works. As abridged by Garfield in consultation with a panel of scholars, the books on the whole retain the magic of Shakespeare's vision and remain true to his poetics. Linguistic fluidity is perforce sacrificed (omitted lines are presented as italicized summaries interspersed throughout the dialogue), but these versions should still fire children's imaginations. Though the artwork varies in quality, the Eastern European illustrators generally capture the underlying theatrics. Palettes are subdued for the dramas, and appropriately brighter for the comedies (though the tone reproductions frequently seem off). Several plays' illustrations have a cartoony appearance; a few exhibit the stilted look of old Classics Comics. While the plays forgo their complexities-many subplots are omitted-as they become more linear in their themes (Macbeth loses much of his humanity, Romeo and Juliet is pared of its politics), their nobility shines through in these visualized introductions. One hopes that readers will be encouraged to move on to the originals. Ages 10-up.- Publishers Weekly

Book 20

Love's Labour's Lost

by A. L. Rowse

Published 6 January 1986

The King of Navarre persuades his courtiers to join him in renouncing the world for three years of study. Foremost amongst their undertakings is a promise to forsake the company of women, but no sooner have they taken their oath than a beautiful French princess and her female attendants arrive at the palace gates on a diplomatic mission. It is love at first sight, of course, and then each man faces the challenge of wooing his lady without breaking his vow and without allowing the others to find out. Formal and scholarly, rich in wordplay and poetic invention, 'Love's Labour's Lost' is perhaps the most demanding of Shakespeare's comedies, but on this recording Sir Derek Jacobi, Jeremy Brett and Geraldine McEwan lead a distinguished cast in a lively performance.

Book 22

Othello

by A. L. Rowse

Published 6 January 1986

One of the most powerful dramas ever written for the stage, Othello is a story of revenge, illusion, passion, mistrust, jealousy, and murder. If in Iago, Shakespeare created the most compelling villain in Western literature, in Othello and Desdemona, he gave us our most tragic and unforgettable lovers.

Book 23

King Henry IV, Part I

by A. L. Rowse

Published 6 January 1986

Book 27

Measure for Measure

by A. L. Rowse

Published 21 July 1986

Book 34

King Henry VIII

by A. L. Rowse

Published 4 December 1986

Book 35

Much Ado About Nothing

by A. L. Rowse

Published 4 December 1986

Much Ado About Nothing is the story of Leonato, an Italian nobleman, his daughter, Hero, and his niece, Beatrice. Following a war Leonato welcomes into his house Don Pedro, his good friend; fellow soldiers of Don Pedro, Claudio and Benedick; as well as Don Pedro's illegitimate brother, Don John. Quickly amorous relations develop between Claudio and Hero and later between Benedick and Beatrice. As wedding plans are being made for Claudio and Hero, Don John tricks Claudio into believing that Hero has been unfaithful. The wedding bliss is briefly interrupted until the truth is finally discovered and the play ends in a joyful double wedding.

Book 38

King Henry VI, Part One

by A. L. Rowse

Published 24 August 1987

Book 40

King Henry VI, Part Three

by A. L. Rowse

Published 24 August 1987

A Midsummer Night's Dream

by A. L. Rowse

Published 16 June 1984

A modernized text updates the usage and grammar of Shakespeare's classic play about marriage, magic, love and fantasy.