This edition, published by John Benson in 1640, contains most of Shakespeare's sonnets, along with other poems. It is notable for its different arrangement of the sonnets compared to the original 1609 publication. The collection is often discussed in terms of its textual variations and the implications for understanding Shakespeare's work.
The First Folio, published seven years after Shakespeare's death, is a landmark collection of his plays, including 18 that had never been printed before. Compiled by John Heminges and Henry Condell, it is a crucial source for many of Shakespeare's works and includes an iconic portrait of the playwright. The book contains 36 plays, categorized into comedies, histories, and tragedies, and is considered one of the most influential books ever published.
Much Ado About Nothing, by William Shakespeare, is a comedy that explores themes of love, deception, and mistaken identity. The play features a compelling narrative, where two pairs of lovers navigate the complexities of courtship and marriage. Much Ado About Nothing's witty dialogue and clever plot twists have entertained audiences for centuries. The play's use of humor and irony creates a sense of lightheartedness and amusement. Much Ado About Nothing's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless themes and engaging storytelling.
The play, written in 1599, explores themes of political power, honor, and fate versus free will. It centers around the conspiracy led by Brutus and Cassius to assassinate Julius Caesar, fearing his rise to power could lead to tyranny. The play delves into the moral dilemmas faced by its characters and the consequences of their actions, culminating in a civil war. The characters, including Brutus, Cassius, and Mark Antony, represent different facets of political ideology and personal conviction. The play is known for its iconic lines and its enduring relevance in examining the dynamics of power and political decisions[1][2][5].
The play revolves around Antonio, a wealthy merchant of Venice, who takes a loan from the Jewish moneylender Shylock to help his friend Bassanio woo the wealthy heiress Portia. When Antonio's ships are reported lost at sea, he is unable to repay the loan, and Shylock demands his pound of flesh as per the bond. The play culminates in a trial where Portia, disguised as a lawyer, intervenes to save Antonio's life. The play explores themes of debt, mercy, and the complexities of human relationships in 16th-century Venice.
Macbeth is a tragedy that explores themes of power, ambition, and the consequences of sin. The play follows Macbeth, a Scottish nobleman, and his wife Lady Macbeth as they navigate a complex web of prophecy, murder, and political intrigue. The witches' prophecy sets off a chain of events that leads to the downfall of Macbeth and the restoration of order in Scotland. The play is known for its dark and haunting atmosphere, its exploration of the human psyche, and its commentary on the nature of tragedy and the human condition[1][4].
King Lear, written by William Shakespeare around 1604-1606, is a tragedy that follows the story of King Lear, who decides to retire and divide his kingdom among his three daughters: Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia. The division is based on the eloquence of their declarations of love for him. However, Lear's youngest and favorite daughter, Cordelia, refuses to flatter him and is disinherited. The play unfolds with Lear's descent into madness, the betrayal by his elder daughters, and the subplot involving the Earl of Gloucester and his sons. Ultimately, the play ends in tragedy with the deaths of Lear, Cordelia, and several other main characters, highlighting themes of deception, power, and the consequences of poor judgment[1][2][5].
On today’s episode, an episode from our friends at Sotheby's, exploring the world of Shakespeare. Sam Leith, author, journalist and literary editor of The Spectator, will be joined by Emma Smith, Professor of Shakespeare Studies at Oxford, Tracy-Ann Oberman, who most recently starred as Shylock in her adaptation of The Merchant of Venice, and acclaimed actor Joseph Kloska. They will be revealing how different editions shaped our understanding of Shakespeare’s plays. Why do some of his most famous lines vary from version to version? What do these texts reveal about the many ways Shakespeare’s plays can be interpreted - on the page, on the stage and in the minds of each new generation?
This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s London in May 2025.
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