About the book
Shakespeare’s four greatest tragedies were written in a remarkably short period of time, between 1598 and 1606. Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth, and King Lear are each so singular an achievement that any rereading of them reinforces the awe and almost idolatrous worship that this most uncanny of the world’s great writers invariably inspires. In these four plays, Shakespeare engages the problem that is central to tragedy and crucial to any human community—the problem of violence and revenge—on an unprecedented scale. No other literary texts have been more instrumental in deepening our knowledge of ourselves as individuals and as a civilization.
This authoritative edition of the plays is supplemented with footnotes, bibliographies, a detailed chronology of Shakespeare’s life and times, and a substantial introduction in which Tony Tanner discusses each play individually while setting each in context.
Editions of Tragedies, Volume 1
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780679417422
Read an Excerpt
Shakespeare’s four greatest tragedies were written in a remarkably short period of time, between 1598 and 1606. Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth, and King Lear are each so singular an achievement that any rereading of them reinforces the awe and almost idolatrous worship that this most uncanny of the world’s great writers invariably inspires. In these four plays, Shakespeare engages the problem that is central to tragedy and crucial to any human community—the problem of violence and revenge—on an unprecedented scale. No other literary texts have been more instrumental in deepening our knowledge of ourselves as individuals and as a civilization.
This authoritative edition of the plays is supplemented with footnotes, bibliographies, a detailed chronology of Shakespeare’s life and times, and a substantial introduction in which Tony Tanner discusses each play individually while setting each in context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tragedies, Volume 1 about?
Shakespeare’s four greatest tragedies were written in a remarkably short period of time, between 1598 and 1606. Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth, and King Lear are each so singular an achievement that any rereading of them reinforces the awe and almost idolatrous worship that this most uncanny of the world’s great writers invariably inspires. In these four plays, Shakespeare engages the problem that is central to tragedy and crucial to any human community—the problem of violence and revenge—on an unprecedented scale. No other literary texts have been more instrumental in deepening our knowledge of ourselves as individuals and as a civilization.
This authoritative edition of the plays is supplemented with footnotes, bibliographies, a detailed chronology of Shakespeare’s life and times, and a substantial introduction in which Tony Tanner discusses each play individually while setting each in context.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Tragedies, Volume 1?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Plays, playscripts, drama
Where can I read a sample of Tragedies, Volume 1?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780679417422
Is Tragedies, Volume 1 part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Shakespeare's Tragedies
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Tragedies, Volume 1?
William Shakespeare
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Tragedies, Volume 1 is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780679417422)
Where can I buy Tragedies, Volume 1 online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Tragedies, Volume 1 from below
Where can I buy Tragedies, Volume 1?