Romeo and Juliet

The greatest love story in English, this play features star-crossed lovers who bravely defy social conventions, leading to tragic outcomes. In Verona, the feud between the Montagues and Capulets creates a tense atmosphere, with the Prince declaring death for any breach of peace. For young Romeo and Juliet, the animosity of their families is irrelevant. Their secret meetings draw them closer to disaster as their families edge toward open conflict. This work has inspired various adaptations, including West Side Story and Baz Luhrmann's Romeo+Juliet, blending passion and hatred, comedy and tragedy. The edition includes an introduction to Shakespeare's life and Elizabethan theatre, a specific introduction to the play, a chronology, reading suggestions, an essay on performance options, and commentary. Shakespeare, born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, produced remarkable dramas and a collection of sonnets that are among the most significant love poetry in English. If you enjoyed this play, you may also appreciate A Midsummer Night's Dream, available in the same series.