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Four Tragedies

Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth
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Brief Description
Shakespeare's Four Tragedies - Macbeth, King Lear, Hamlet and Othello - are presented in a stunning Penguin Clothbound Classics edition. The theme of the great Shakespearean tragedies is a hero's fall from grace due to a fatal character flaw. Whether it is the ruthless ambition of... Read More
Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Shakespeare's Four Tragedies - Macbeth, King Lear, Hamlet and Othello - are presented in a stunning Penguin Clothbound Classics edition.

The theme of the great Shakespearean tragedies is a hero's fall from grace due to a fatal character flaw. Whether it is the ruthless ambition of Macbeth or the folly of Lear, the irresolution of Hamlet or the suspicion of Othello, the cause of the tragedy - even when it is the murder of a king - is trifling compared to the calamity that it unleashes.

Despite their flawed natures, however, the tragic protagonists all have a nobility that emphasizes the greatness of humanity. From this paradox, the audience is brought to a greater understanding of - and sympathy with - suffering.

The four tragedies in this collection are accompanied by notes and an introduction to each text.

Series: Penguin Clothbound Classics

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241726976

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 24 April 2025

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Ann Barton

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 56.0mm

Width: 137.0mm

Height: 206.0mm

Weight: 1094g

Pages: 960

About the Author

William Shakespeare was born to John Shakespeare and Mary Arden in late April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon. He wrote about 38 plays (the precise number is uncertain), many of which are regarded as the most exceptional works of drama ever produced, including Romeo and Juliet (1595), Henry V (1599), Hamlet (1601), Othello (1604), King Lear (1606) and Macbeth (1606), as well as a collection of 154 sonnets, which number among the most profound and influential love poetry in English. Shakespeare died in Stratford in 1616.

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