Adapted from the work of William Shakespeare. Twenty of the most famous plays by the Western World's greatest wordsmith come alive in this modern, easy-to-read retelling of their storylines. Explore the main characters, the plots, and the conclusions of these timeless masterpieces of higher civilization and discover why the whole world holds the Bard of Stratford-upon-Avon in awe. These stories are vital to any Eurocentric cultural education, and no one of any standing should be in ignorance of them. Now anyone can enjoy these works in the format of conventional stories, rather than complicated plays-ideal for adults and younger readers alike. Also includes a short overview of Shakespeare's life and a final chapter consisting of many of the best quotes and sage advice drawn directly from the text of this "man for all ages." Contents Preface A Brief Life of Shakespeare A Midsummer Night's Dream The Tempest As You Like It The Winter's Tale King Lear Twelfth Night Much Ado about Nothing Romeo and Juliet Pericles Hamlet Cymbeline Macbeth The Comedy of Errors The Merchant of Venice Timon of Athens Othello The Taming of the Shrew Measure for Measure Two Gentlemen of Verona All's Well That Ends Well Quotations from Shakespeare