This is a collection of Shakespeare's songs, sonnets, speeches, and narrative poems in modern prose format. The aim has been to make these parts of Shakespeare's works more accessible and understandable for present-day readers.
The anthology starts with the songs – trying to clarify the meaning of the compositions without disconnecting from the deep emotions they express.
The book then unveils the sonnets in modern idiom. The sonnets are a great artistic treasure trove. The collection attempts to remain faithful to their emotional depth and philosophical themes while making plainer their deep insights into love, beauty, and human sentiments.
The anthology next presents an assortment of speeches from Shakespeare's theatrical plays.
Finally, it provides complete modern versions of Shakespeare's major narrative poems. These pieces blend captivating storytelling and poetic finesse. Once again, the collection seeks to preserve their essence while providing a smoother and more enjoyable reading experience.
Contents
Editorial foreword
1: The songs
Blow, blow, you winter wind
Come away, come away, death
Fear no more the heat o' the sun
Full fathom five thy father lies
It was a lover and his lass
O Mistress mine, where are you roaming?
Song of the Witches: Double, double, toil and trouble
Orpheus with his lute
Sigh no more ladies, sigh no more
Spring
Under the greenwood tree
Winter
When I was a little tiny boy (with hey, ho, the wind and the rain)
Where the bee sucks, there suck I
Who is Silvia? What is she?
2: The sonnets
3: The speeches
All the world's a stage
Bottom's Dream
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears
Is this a dagger I see before me?
No matter where; of comfort no man speak
Now is the winter of our discontent
O Romeo, Romeo! For what reason are you Romeo?
Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more
The raven himself is hoarse
This day is called the feast of Crispian
Time, my lord, has a pack on his back
To be, or not to be, that is the question
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow
This royal throne of kings
The quality of mercy is not strained
What light through yonder window breaks?
4: The narrative poems
Venus and Adonis
The Rape of Lucrece
The Phoenix and the Turtledove
A Lover's Complaint
