Shakespeare
William Shakespeare, born in 1564, was an English poet, playwright and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. Poet Ben Johnson wrote “He was not of an age but for all time!” Learn more about this ageless author.
Guides
Links
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Approaching Shakespeare
Podcasts of a series of lectures by Professor Emma Smith of Oxford University -
New York Times
William Shakespeare's obituary -
Poetry Foundation
A detailed description of Shakespeare's poetry -
Shakespeare FAQ
Pertinent facts about Shakespeare from the Folger Library -
Shakespeare for Kids
Fun resources for Shakespeare beginners from the Folger Library -
Shakespeare in American Life
A series of podcasts from the Folger Library -
Shakespeare plays retold as children's stories
Podcasts from the BBC -
Shakespeare Resource Center
A Quick Guide to Reading Shakespeare -
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
Welcome to the Web's first edition of the Complete Works of William Shakespeare. This site has offered Shakespeare's plays and poetry to the Internet community since 1993.
Shakespeare - Tragedies (12 items)
Blog Posts
Rosemary for Shakespeare
Written by Isabel S. April 23 marks the day that we traditionally celebrate William Shakespeare’s birth and deathday, though neither of those occasions are confirmed to have actually been on the 23rd. Shakespeare was baptized on…
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Who Said It: Shakespeare, Milton, or Shake Milton?
The Rare Book Department has some true treasures within its collections, but perhaps one of its most special collections is the First Folio of William Shakespeare . What is the “First Folio”? It contains the collected works…
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Free Library to Display Rare Shakespeare First Folio Now Believed to Have Belonged to John Milton
The work of two scholars has led to the astounding discovery that a Shakespeare First Folio housed in the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Rare Book Department likely belonged to English poet John Milton (1608–1674). The…
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Shakespeare In the World Lecture Series
The Fool in King Lear advised "Speak less than thou knowest" – but it's good the speakers at this year’s Shakespeare in the World lecture series aren’t following his advice. If you’re …
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Music, Storytimes, and More in the Newly Renovated Shakespeare Park
Everyone in Philly is stooping this summer , and we wanted in! On the Parkway Central Library's front stoop—the newly renovated Shakespeare Park—the Free Library will present outdoor summer programming. As part of…
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Shakespeare Park Has Reopened!
Some great news right before the upcoming Welcome to America July 4th holiday festivities get under way in Philadelphia this weekend... Shakespeare Park has finally reopened! If you've tried to visit our Parkway Central Library over…
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Confessions from a Shakespeare Lover
Happy birthday (and death day, crazily) to William Shakespeare on Sunday, April 23! This day is a literary holy day, honoring The Bard, most hallowed of English-language writers. (Let us leave aside debate of whether…
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The Passover Story, as told by William Shakespeare
Ringing in Passover with The Bard, because... why not? The Hebrews had been prosperous in Egypt, growing and multiplying. But the new Pharaoh became scared and decided, "I'll manacle thy neck and feet together" ( The…
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Happy Shakespeare Week!
When we heard this week was Shakespeare Week , we knew we couldn’t miss out on the chance to get in on the fun from across the pond. We didn’t have to look far for inspiration! Below, you’ll find a "greatest…
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The Passover Story, as told by William Shakespeare
In honor of his 452nd birthday on this past Saturday, April 23, 2016—the second night of Passover... The Hebrews had been prosperous in Egypt, growing and multiplying. But the new Pharaoh became scared and decided, “I'll…
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Joining the “Happy Few”: A Mind Marathon of Shakespeare’s Complete Works
October 25 marked St. Crispin’s Day , a once-observed feast day, which is also claimed to be the day of the famed Battle of Agincourt—the great battle of Englishmen led by King Henry V against the much-greater-numbered…