Series: Dover Thrift Editions | Publication Date: May 23, 2003
A military hero of ancient Rome who attempts to shift from his career as a general to become a candidate for public office a disastrous move that leads to his heading an attack on Rome. The last of Shakespeare's tragedies, Coriolanus is a timeless tale of pride, revenge, and political chicanery.
This item is eligible for our 4-for-3 promotion. Eligible products include select Books and Home & Garden items. Buy any 4 eligible items and get the lowest-priced item free.
Here's how (restrictions apply)
William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in April 1564, and his birth is traditionally celebrated on April 23. The facts of his life, known from surviving documents, are sparse. He was one of eight children born to John Shakespeare, a merchant of some standing in his community. William probably went to the King's New School in Stratford, but he had no university education. In November 1582, at the age of eighteen, he married Anne Hathaway, eight years his senior, who was pregnant with their first child, Susanna. She was born on May 26, 1583. Twins, a boy, Hamnet ( who would die at age eleven), and a girl, Judith, were born in 1585. By 1592 Shakespeare had gone to London working as an actor and already known as a playwright. A rival dramatist, Robert Greene, referred to him as "an upstart crow, beautified with our feathers." Shakespeare became a principal shareholder and playwright of the successful acting troupe, the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later under James I, called the King's Men). In 1599 the Lord Chamberlain's Men built and occupied the Globe Theater in Southwark near the Thames River. Here many of Shakespeare's plays were performed by the most famous actors of his time, including Richard Burbage, Will Kempe, and Robert Armin. In addition to his 37 plays, Shakespeare had a hand in others, including Sir Thomas More and The Two Noble Kinsmen, and he wrote poems, including Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece. His 154 sonnets were published, probably without his authorization, in 1609. In 1611 or 1612 he gave up his lodgings in London and devoted more and more time to retirement in Stratford, though he continued writing such plays as The Tempest and Henry VII until about 1613. He died on April 23 1616, and was buried in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford. No collected edition of his plays was published during his life-time, but in 1623 two members of his acting company, John Heminges and Henry Condell, put together the great collection now called the First Folio.
This review is from: Coriolanus (Dover Thrift Editions) (Paperback)
This is one of those Shakespearean plays that very few casual readers know of; it is not, generally, a play that is required reading in any but the most in-depth literature courses, and most people have never heard of it or know of it only by title. This is truly a shame, because it is one of Shakespeares BEST works. It is the story of a man too honorable for his own good, who loses all due to the conniving of clever politicians because he refuses to play the game by their rules and flatter the people with weasel-words and empty promises. Truly, a wonderful story with a far better plot than most of Shakespeare's plays, and language just as musical as any of them. If you've read Shakespeare's better-known plays and enjoyed the language, do yourself a favor and make yourself familiar with this lesser-known play.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: Coriolanus (Dover Thrift Editions) (Paperback)
Having heard virtually nothing about this play, I picked it up with very low expectations. I was amazed, however, to find myself totally enthralled with the story, not the least reason being its relevance to events of the past eight years. If I ever hear of it being performed, I will definitely buy a ticket!
I did not read this Dover edition, but I do not think that things such as footnotes and explanatory essays will add that much to this particular play.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews