In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare creates a violent world, in which two young people fall in love. It is not simply that their families disapprove; the Montagues and the Capulets are engaged in a blood feud. In this death-filled setting, the movement from love at first sight to the lovers’ final union in death seems almost inevitable. And yet, this play set in an extraordinary world has become the … world has become the quintessential story of young love. In part because of its exquisite language, it is easy to respond as if it were about all young lovers.
The authoritative edition of Romeo and Juliet from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers, includes:
-The exact text of the printed book for easy cross-reference
-Hundreds of hypertext links for instant navigation
-Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play
-Newly revised explanatory notes conveniently linked to the text of the play
-Scene-by-scene plot summaries
-A key to the play’s famous lines and phrases
-An introduction to reading Shakespeare’s language
-An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play
-Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Library’s vast holdings of rare books
-An annotated guide to further reading
Essay by Gail Kern Paster
The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, 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 Folger.edu.more
The quintessential doomed romance, and many readers favorite Shakespeare. I love this play, especially read aloud, but for me it falls behind MacBeth and Hamlet in the tragedies.
Growing up I loved the story of Romeo and Juliet and I still love it to this day. I first read the play when I was 11 years old and my family don’t understand how I can understand William Shakespeares writing in play form.
Definitely not happily ever after but…
Just love it
It’s a romance. It’s Shakespeare. ‘Nough said.
This is a great book to read don’t miss it
I love reading stories that launched (not a thousand ships), but thousands of stories! R&J is the basis for unrequited love and movement through life. And, of course, we can’t forget the tortures of young love we scoff at but can’t wait to endure.
Optimo
As I looked over my previously read books and searched for one that was missing a review, Romeo and Juliet stood out to me. But then I thought about it… who doesn’t know about this play? Who hasn’t read it in school sometime in the past? Who hasn’t watched a movie version or seen some sort of take on the classic tortured romance story? And why on earth would anyone care to read another review, let alone my review, on it? Exactly. So… don’t look for much here as I’m sure most everyone has read it already. And I’m not that funny to even make reading my opinions worth it. That said… a few shared thoughts about what I’ve learned from this play:
1. Parents exist to torture their children. It’s a simple fact. If your child wants X, it is your responsibility to keep X away from him/her.
2. Love will always end in disaster. Don’t attempt it without proper back-up.
3. Even though someone looks dead, they probably aren’t. Kill them again just to be sure.
4. Your bros or girls don’t always have your back.
5. Magic powders are the cure for everything. Always trust what you don’t understand. And just inhale it like the world is about to end.
In all sincerity, I do like the play a lot. I’ve enjoyed countless interpretations. I think parts of it are brilliant and parts of it are pure illogical nonsense. Every TV show and movie has their own re-appropriation to tell. Not everything can be perfect when it comes to love. But this play certainly teaches a lot of lessons and provides a lot of bumps. And this reader still goes along for the ride…
Not much new to add to reviewing Romeo and Juliet that people already know. It’s one of the greatest love stories of all time and worth reading, despite the hard to follow language of the book. When reading this book, I would suggest getting a version with notes on the side to help clarify certain parts you may not get. Lucky for me I had that and my literature teacher explaining every single line, which was helpful. Overall, four out of five stars. Four stars only because of the language and having to have someone explain every sentence in order for you to understand.