Synopses & Reviews
"A first-rate entree to the Bard," hailed Publishers Weekly in praise of Bruce Coville's adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream (Dial). Now the author follows with Macbeth, expertly weaving his own dramatic yet accessible prose with language from the play, creating a gateway to the greater enjoyment of the original. Powerful paintings, rich in atmosphere, by renowned artist Gary Kelleywinner of twenty medals from the Society of Illustratorsmake this, like its predecessor, a classic in itself, full justice to the genius that came before. A perfect gift for both newcomers to Shakespeare's work as well as devoted followers.
Synopsis
A man's thirst for power ends in tragedy in this Signet Classics edition of one of William Shakespeare's most powerful works.
When a trio of witches fortell that Macbeth will become King of Scotland, the brave general is consumed by ambition. Encouraged by his wife to seize the throne, their quest for power leads down a blood strewn path that ends in madness and death in this play that explores the consequences of guilt and corruption.
This revised Signet Classics edition includes unique features such as:
- An overview of Shakespeare's life, world, and theater
- A special introduction to the play by the editor, Sylvan Barnet
- Selections from Raphael Holinshed's The Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland, the source from which Shakespeare derived Macbeth
- Dramatic criticism from A. C. Bradley, Elmer Edgar Stoll, Mary McCarthy, and others
- A comprehensive stage and screen history of notable actors, directors, and productions
- Text, notes, and commentaries printed in the clearest, most readable text
- And more...
Description
Bibliography: p. [201-214].
Table of Contents
Samuel Johnson: Macbeth
A. C. Bradley: From Shakespearean Tragedy
Elmer Edgar Stoll: Source and Motive in ?Macbeth? and ?Othello?
Cleanth Brooks: The Naked Babe and the Cloak of Manliness
Mary MacCarthy: General Macbeth
Joan Larsen Klein: Lady Macbeth: ?Infirm of Purpose?
Sylvan Barnet: ?Macbeth? on the Stage and Screen
NEWLY ADDED ESSAYS:
Alan Sinfield: ?Macbeth?: History, Ideology, and Intellectuals