The New Cambridge Shakespeare appeals to students worldwide for its up-to-date scholarship and emphasis on performance. The series features line-by-line commentaries and textual notes on the plays and poems. Introductions are regularly refreshed with accounts of new critical, stage and screen interpretations. For this second edition of King Richard III, Janis Lull has added a new section to her introduction, in which she focuses on contemporary productions of the play as well as recent scholarly criticism. Lull emphasises the importance of women's roles in this popular drama but shows how the text has frequently been cut, rewritten and reshaped by directors and actors to enhance the role of Richard, often at the expense of female characters. The special relationship between King Richard III and Macbeth is also explored while the notes detail the play's language in terms that are easily accessible to contemporary readers.

This book is a treasure trove for poetry lovers. Auden's Selected Poems showcases his incomparable talent through a wide range of forms, tones, and content. From the self-descriptive haiku sequence of 'Profiles' to the gripping wartime quatrains of 'Leap Before You Look', this collection captures the essence of Auden's mastery. With the addition of twenty new poems and explanatory notes, this edition is a must-read for anyone seeking to delve into the world of Auden's timeless poetry.

Twelfth Night is a classic Shakespearean comedy that explores themes of gender, sexuality, and identity through the use of complex linguistic games and Ovidian myths. It strikes a delicate balance between romance and realism that will captivate readers of all ages. Its exploration of gender and identity is particularly relevant in today's world, making it a must-read for those interested in these topics.

This book is for anyone who wants a gritty and honest depiction of a man's mundane existence in a post office. With its raw language and dark humor, Post Office captures the essence of the protagonist's hand-to-mouth lifestyle, filled with booze, one-night stands, and a constant struggle for survival. It's a brutally real and uncompromising look at the monotonous and sometimes absurd nature of working in a dead-end job, making it a must-read for those seeking a unique literary experience.

The Garden of The Prophet, which Gibran intended as a companion to his masterpiece The Prophet, is a lyrical celebration of the mystical beauty of Nature.

Possession is an exhilarating novel of wit and romance, at once a literary detective novel and a triumphant love story. It is the tale of a pair of young scholars investigating the lives of two Victorian poets. Following a trail of letters, journals and poems they uncover a web of passion, deceit and tragedy, and their quest becomes a battle against time.

Originally published in the year 1951, the huge popularity of the book has resulted in the book being re-printed several times. Centuries ago, it was proclaimed of the Mahabharata: "What is not in it, is nowhere." But even now, we can use the same words about it. He who knows it not, knows not the heights and depths of the soul; he misses the trials and tragedy and the beauty and grandeur of life. The Mahabharata is not a mere epic; it is a romance telling the tale of heroic men and women, and of some who were divine. It is a whole literature in itself, containing a code of life, a philosophy of social and ethical relations, and speculative thought on human problems that is hard to rival.

Anthony C. Yu’s celebrated translation of The Journey to the West reinvigorated one of Chinese literature’s most beloved classics for English-speaking audiences when it first appeared thirty years ago. Yu’s abridgment of his four-volume translation, The Monkey and the Monk , finally distills the epic novel’s most exciting and meaningful episodes without taking anything away from their true spirit. These fantastic episodes recount the adventures of Xuanzang, a seventh-century monk who became one of China’s most illustrious religious heroes after traveling for sixteen years in search of Buddhist scriptures. Powerfully combining religious allegory with humor, fantasy, and satire, accounts of Xuanzang’s journey were passed down for a millennium before culminating in the sixteenth century with The Journey to the West . Now, readers of The Monkey and the Monk can experience the full force of his lengthy quest as he travels to India with four animal disciples, most significant among them a guardian-monkey known as “the Great Sage, Equal to Heaven.” Moreover, in its newly streamlined form, this acclaimed translation of a seminal work of world literature is sure to attract an entirely new following of students and fans. “A new translation of a major literary text which totally supersedes the best existing version. . . . It establishes beyond contention the position of The Journey to the West in world literature, while at the same time throwing open wide the doors to interpretive study on the part of the English audience.”— Modern Language Notes , on the unabridged translation

Boethius composed De Consolation Philosophiae in the sixth century A.D. while awaiting death by torture, condemned on a charge of plotting against Gothic rule, which he protested as manifestly unjust. Though a Christian, Boethius details the true end of life as the soul's knowledge of God, and consoles himself with the tenets of Greek philosophy, not with Christian precepts. Written in a form called Meippean Satire that alternates between prose and verse, Boethius' work often consists of a story told by Ovid or Horace to illustrate the philosophy being expounded. The Consolation of Philosophy dominated the intellectual world of the Middle Ages; it inspired writers as diverse Thomas Aquinas, Jean de Meun, and Dante. In England it was rendered into Old English by Alfred the Great, into Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer, and later Queen Elizabeth I made her own translation. The circumstances of composition, the heroic demeanor of the author, and the Meippean texture of part prose, part verse have been a fascination for students of philosophy, literature, and religion ever since.

Paterson is both a place—the New Jersey city in whom the person (the poet's own life) and the public (the history of the region) are combined. Originally four books (published individually between 1946 and 1951), the structure of Paterson (in Dr. Williams' words) "follows the course of the Passaic River" from above the great falls to its entrance into the sea. The unexpected Book Five, published in 1958, affirms the triumphant life of the imagination, in spite of age and death. This revised edition has been meticulously re-edited by Christopher MacGowan, who has supplied a wealth of notes and explanatory material.

In the first part of Foakes's introduction, the editor examines King Lear as it is read in the mind versus how it is performed on the stage, analyzing historical productions and certain elements of the play that shine in performance but not in text, and vice versa. This section also explores how and why the play has invited so many interpretations, in reading and performance, since its inception. The next part of the introduction considers trends in the criticism and staging of the play, such as the recent shift of favor from redemptive to bleak readings. Foakes then addresses the dating of the play, the differences among the Quarto and Folio texts, and whether these changes are mere discrepancies or intentional revisions. Finally, the editor discusses the casting of the play and explains notable usages in his edition. There are two appendices that follow the play: the first examines two textual problems that are particularly difficult to interpret, and the second explains differences in lineation between the Quarto and Folio editions, which resulted from confusion whether certain lines were in prose or verse. This edition also includes lists of illustrations, abbreviations, and references, as well as a general editors' preface and an index.The Arden Shakespeare has developed a reputation as the pre-eminent critical edition of Shakespeare for its exceptional scholarship, reflected in the thoroughness of each volume. An introduction comprehensively contextualizes the play, chronicling the history and culture that surrounded and influenced Shakespeare at the time of its writing and performance, and closely surveying critical approaches to the work. Detailed appendices address problems like dating and casting, and analyze the differing Quarto and Folio sources. A full commentary by one or more of the play's foremost contemporary scholars illuminates the text, glossing unfamiliar terms and drawing from an abundance of research and expertise to explain allusions and significant background information. Highly informative and accessible, Arden offers the fullest experience of Shakespeare available to a reader.

Bitter Sweet Love could be an excellent read for lovers of poetry and prose that beautifully captures the joys, heartbreaks, and nuances of love, loss, relationships, and sex. Michael Faudet's writing style is whimsical, often erotic, and intricate, painting vivid pictures with words that explore the human experience of love. His writing is sure to capture readers' hearts and minds, leaving them with a deeper understanding of the complexities of love, loss, and relationships.

This book is perfect for fans of gothic literature and dark, eerie poetry. Poe's poems touch on themes of madness, death, and the macabre, drawing readers into a world of mystery and intrigue. The collection includes his most famous works, such as "The Raven" and "Annabel Lee," as well as lesser-known masterpieces like "The Haunted Palace" and "The Conqueror Worm." With an introduction by Jay Parini and an afterword by April Bernard, readers are provided with historical context and a deeper understanding of Poe's artistry. Overall, this collection is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry or wants to explore the darker side of literature.

This is a new translation of Faust, Part Two by David Luke, whose translation of Faust, Part I was the winner of the European Poetry Translation Prize. Here, Luke expertly imitates the varied verse-forms of the original, and provides a highly readable and actable translation which includes anintroduction, full notes, and an index of classical mythology.

Wilfred Owen was twenty-two when he enlisted in the Artists' Rifle Corps during World War I. By the time Owen was killed at the age of 25 at the Battle of Sambre, he had written what are considered to be the most important British poems of WWI. This definitive edition is based on manuscripts of Owen's papers in the British Museum and other archives.

Dirty Pretty Things is the international bestseller by Michael Faudet. A finalist in the 2015 Goodreads Readers Choice Awards, his whimsical and often erotic writing has already captured the hearts and minds of literally thousands of readers from around the world.He paints vivid pictures with intricate words and explores the compelling themes of love, loss, relationships, and sex. All beautifully captured in poetry, prose, quotes, and little short stories.Michael lives in a house by the sea in New Zealand with his girlfriend, international bestselling author, Lang Leav.

Book by Shakespeare, William

This edition of Twelfth Night is especially designed for students, with accessible on-page notes and explanatory illustrations, clear background information, and rigorous but accessible scholarly credentials. This edition includes illustrations, preliminary notes, reading lists (including websites) and classroom notes, allowing students to master Shakespeare's work.About the Newly redesigned and easier to read, each play in the Oxford School Shakespeare series includes the complete and unabridged text, detailed and clear explanations of difficult words and passages, a synopsis of the plot, summaries of individual scenes, and notes on the main characters. Also included is a wide range of questions and activities for work in class, together with the historical background to Shakespeare's England, a brief biography of Shakespeare, and a complete list of his plays.

This verse-novel tells the story of a female writer, balancing work and love. It is and based on Elizabeth's own experiences.Excerpt from Aurora Leigh: A Poem in Nine Books Aurora Leigh. First Book. Of writing many books there is no end;And I, who have written much in prose and verseFor others' uses, will write now for mine, -Will write my story for my better self, As when you paint your portrait for a friend, Who keeps it in a drawer, and looks at itLong after he has ceased to love you, justTo hold together what he was and is. I, writing thus, am still what men call youngI have not so far left the coasts of lifeTo travel inland, that I cannot hearThat murmur of the outer InfiniteWhich unweaned babies smile at in their sleepWhen wondered at for smiling; not so far, But still I catch my mother at her postBeside the nursery-door, with finger up, "Hush, hush, here's too much noise!" while her sweet eyesLeap forward, taking part against her wordIn the child's riot. Still I sit, and feelMy father's slow hand, when she has left us both, Stroke out my childish curls across his knee, And hear Assunta's daily jest (she knewHe liked it better than a better jest)Inquire how many golden scudi wentTo make such ringlets. O my father's hand, Stroke heavily, heavily, the poor hair down, Draw, press the child's head closer to thy knee!I'm still too young, too young, to sit alone.

The Collected Poems of Rudyard Kipling is a must-read for lovers of classic poetry. While Kipling's poems have been criticized for glorifying war and British Empire, an attentive reading reveals a deeper meaning in his writings. His poems contain captivating rhythms and popular forms of speech which make them great for recitation. The edition also includes George Orwell's highly regarded critique of Kipling's poems, which adds value to the overall experience of reading this collection.

The Greatest Works of Kahlil Gibran is a must-read for individuals seeking spiritual inspiration. Gibran's writing style, which blends elements of Eastern and Western mysticism, creates a unique meditative reading experience. Through the Omnibus edition, you will gain access to Gibran's most influential works, including The Prophet, The Wanderer, Nymphs of the Valley, and The Madman. Gibran's ability to convey thoughts that are complete, clear, and concise, make him a Prophet of penetrating vision and objective understanding.

Mythos by Stephen Fry could be a good read for fans of Greek mythology who want a modern twist on classic tales. The book captures the extraordinary and deeply human relevance of these myths, making them relatable and captivating. Fry's vivid and imaginative storytelling will leave readers enthralled.

Romeo and Juliet is a must-read classic for those who love passionate and tragic romance stories. Shakespeare's masterful prose highlights the beauty and intensity of love while also examining the lengths people will go for the sake of family honor and revenge. The Signet Classics edition provides a comprehensive view of the play's creation and reception, making it an excellent choice for both first-time readers and Shakespeare enthusiasts alike.

Pillow Thoughts is a great read for those who enjoy reflecting on their emotions and experiences. The book is divided into sections that cater to different moods and feelings, making it an ideal companion for those who seek comfort in words. Courtney Peppernell's writing is raw and relatable, making the reader feel understood and not alone in their experiences.

Recommended for readers interested in Shakespearean drama. Focus on the themes of betrayal, revenge and discrimination.

Greedily she engorged without restraint, And knew not eating death; Milton's Paradise Lost is a poem of epic proportions that tells of Satan's attempts to mislead Eve into disobeying God in the Garden of Eden, by eating from the tree of knowledge. His interpretation of the biblical story of Genesis is vivid and intense in its language, justifying the actions of God to men. In his sequel poem, Paradise Regained, Milton shows Satan trying to seduce Jesus in a similar way to Eve, but ultimately failing as Jesus remains steadfast.

With its witty heroine Rosalind, who has the longest role of Shakespeare's female characters, As You Like It is Shakespeare's most light-hearted and most performed comedy. This edition includes numerous illustrations of productions and reassesses both its textual and performance history, showing how interpretations have changed since the first recorded production in 1740. It also examines Shakespeare's sources and elucidates the central themes of love, pastoral, and doubleness, and provides detailed annotations investigating the play's allusive and often bawdy language.About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

First some thoughts, then a widely followed blog, then a successful book, I Wrote This For You is a phenomenon that has touched countless people around the world. The almost complete works of over 400 poems is contained in this book with select photography. Each section reflects on an aspect of life, love and loss and is a book to keep close by for years to come. It was, after all, written for you.

This edition of Love''s Labour''s lost provide s a clear and authoritative text, detailed notes and comment ary on the same pages as the text and an in-depth survey of critical approaches to the play. '

Edgar Allan Poe: Complete Tales and Poems is perfect for those who love dark, eerie, and psychologically thrilling stories. Poe's writing is known for transporting readers to a supernatural realm and perfecting the psychological thriller genre. His most famous works include The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, and The Fall of the House of Usher. With a dramatic life, Poe created some of the finest literature the world has ever known, influencing many creative forces such as Charles Baudelaire and filmmaker D.W. Griffith. This book is a timeless classic that is a must-read for those who enjoy literary masterpieces.