Best Books By Shakespeare To Read: Timeless Classics To Add To Your Reading List

Top Five Products

• Hamlet

   If you are seeking Shakespeare books about power and ambition, then nothing can be better than Hamlet. Exploring the royal court of Denmark, it tracks down the journey of Prince Hamlet after the sudden passing away of his father. Taking a deep dive down into the darkening human emotions such as grief, madness, morality, and revenge, it is a masterpiece tragedy written by William Shakespeare. The story is set when Hamlet’s late father’s ghost visits him to reveal that he was murdered under a conspiracy led by his uncle, Claudius. The rest of the plot tracks down Prince Hamlet, set on vengeance to punish the treachery of his father's death. One of the famous quotes, like “to be or not to be,” rose from the pages of Hamlet, intriguing the readers about the dynamic concept of life, death, and purpose.

  01
• Julius Caesar (Hardcover Library Edition)

   A classic tale of betrayal and power, Julius Caesar is yet another masterpiece written by William Shakespeare. One of Shakespeare's most famous plays to read, Julius Caesar has risen to fame among theater artists and readers for its intricate storyline and navigation from one character to another. The story explores the betrayal of Brutus and Cassius in murdering Caesar. The conspirators are inclusive of Honorable Brutus for his righteousness and a jealous Cassius, who wants Caesar out of his way. The twisted war of words results in Caesar being killed mercilessly. William Shakespeare underlined the power of oration and words, making it a powerful weapon to be used against the conspirators, leading to eventual death. The tussle between power and principle in this place is what draws the readers towards it.

  02
• The Tempest

  Exploring the themes of preservation and not losing hope even in the dark, The Tempest is a unique blend of magic, revenge, and forgiveness. The play written by William Shakespeare is set during a violent sea storm, which is caused by Prospero, who is arguing to bring his brother, Antonio, to the island where he has been residing. The plot revolves around Prospero’s will to destroy his enemies and get back to his kingdom safely. The interwoven thread of multiple characters includes Miranda, his daughter; Ariel, a spirit servant; Caliban, an islander; and others. As the plot progresses, Prospero undergoes a self-reflection, bringing forth the resentment and his need for revenge to an end.

  03
• Macbeth

  If you are looking for Shakespeare plays with the most famous quotes, then Macbeth will not disappoint you at all. It centers around Macbeth, who is driven into guilt and paranoia and dissolves to become a ruthless tyrant willing to do anything to maintain power. As the story progresses, the ruthless queen eventually spirals into a guilt-induced madness and finally succumbs to death. She has been following the cryptic prophecies that assured her of security; however, she ended up in a harsh manner under the weight of her guilt and paranoia. Exploring the themes of ambition, power, guilt, and paranoia, this play takes you on a psychological ride of a tyrant’s mindset and the eventual insecurities they concealed from the world too well.

  04
• The Merchant of Venice (Hardcover Library Edition)

  Known for its dramatic courtroom climax, The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare's plays about power and ambition. Testing the ambiguity of Sherlock and Portia, this play takes a deep dive into justice, prejudice, love, mercy, and friendship at stake. The plot is set in the city of Venice with Antonio, Shylock, Bassanio, and Portia in the lead. The story progresses with Antonio borrowing money from Shylock to help Bassanio woo Portia. With a cruel bond attached to the loan, Shylock can claim an account of Antonio's flesh if the money is not returned timely. However, Bassanio, on the other hand, is trying to win over Portia’s potential suitors by choosing the right casket. As the drama comes to an end, Portia comes to Antonio’s rescue to save him from the cruel payment of debt. 

  05