The Poems (Bantam Classic) [Mass Market Paperback]

William Shakespeare (Author)

Book Description

Series: Bantam Classic | Publication Date: January 1, 1988

The Poems

Shakespeare’s greatest achievement in nondramatic verse was his collection of 154 magnificent sonnets that portray a tumultuous world of love, rivalry, and conflict among a poet, an aristocratic young man, a rival poet, and a mysterious “dark lady.” More profound than other Elizabethan sonnet sequences and never surpassed as archetypes of the form, these poems explore almost every imaginable emotional complexity related to love and friendship. Some poems are dark, bitter, and self-hating, others express idealism with unmatchable eloquence–and all are of quintessential beauty, part of the world’s great literary heritage.

In addition to his sonnets, Shakespeare published two long poems early in his career: Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece. Immediately popular in Shakespeare’s time, they display a richness that can also reward us with insights into the powerful imagery of his plays.

Rounding out this volume are two minor poems, “A Lover’s Complaint” and “The Phoenix and Turtle,” thought to be part of Shakespeare’s early writings.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Now, thanks to Octavo, anyone with a computer can enjoy priceless works. -- Time, April 5, 1999

Octavo editions give readers a firsthand experience of a milestone text: each includes page-by-page views, expert commentaries, and appropriate "marginalia." -- University of Chicago Magazine, October 2004

This is a splendid product. Those comfortable with Adobe Acrobat will have no problems using this and other Octavo CD-ROMs. -- Library Journal, September 1, 1998 --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Book Description

John Dover Wilson's New Shakespeare, published between 1921 and 1966, became the classic Cambridge edition of Shakespeare's plays and poems until the 1980s. The series, long since out-of-print, is now reissued. Each work contains a lengthy and lively introduction, main text, and substantial notes and glossary. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 528 pages
• Publisher: Bantam Classics (January 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553213091
• ISBN-13: 978-0553213096
• Product Dimensions: 4.1 x 1.3 x 6.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,364,441 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Cozy format, missing sonnets, June 3, 2011

By 

Radclyffe - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shakespeare: Poems (Everyman's Library Pocket Poets) (Hardcover)

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.

8 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shakespeare's Poetry, May 3, 2001

By 

Ronald Sheikh "tiger84" (CLINTON TWP., MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Poems (Bantam Classic) (Mass Market Paperback)

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.