Customer Reviews

The Poems - Arden Shakespeare: Second Series - Paperback

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This is an overall lovely compilation of Shakespeare's non-dramatic works. It's the perfect size to throw in a purse, or keep on a nightstand. The format and font are comfortable and inviting, although the sonnets are not identified by number in any way.

I do want to point out one short-fall, however. I have committed many sonnets to memory before owning this particular book and was looking one up to double-check I line I couldn't quite remember when I realized this one was missing. After a thorough sonnet-by-sonnet checking I discovered that this edition has left out 19 of the 154 sonnets. To be exact, the missing sonnets are numbers 16, 24, 25, 31, 37, 42,45,59, 80, 108, 122, 125, 134, 136, 139, 143, 148, 150, and 154.

I appreciate the inclusion of the narrative poems and some songs, but buyer beware that you will not have a complete collection of the sonnets.

This book is fantastic! You get Venus and Adonis (erotic love poem), Rape of Lucrece (roman rape poem), Lover's Complaint (about the dangers of Love), Phoenix and the Turtle (symbolic of Love and Faith), and of course 154 lovely SONNETS.

David Bevington's introductions are short and informative; the footnotes are there for guidance and do not interfere with the text. A wonderful text. Buy it and take it to the beach.