Hamlet by William Shakespeare
In this quintessential Shakespearean drama, Hamlets halting pursuit of revenge for his fathers death unfolds in a series of highly charged confrontations that climax in tragedy. The play begins with the ghost of Hamlet's father revealing that he was killed by Hamlet's uncle, Claudius, who has now married Hamlet's mother, Gertrude. Consumed by grief and madness, Hamlet feigns insanity as he plots his revenge. His inner turmoil and moral dilemmas are explored through soliloquies, while the play delves into themes of revenge, betrayal, and the nature of existence. Ultimately, the tragic events unfold, resulting in a climax of death and the ascension of Fortinbras as the new ruler of Denmark.
Featuring a cover with a photo still from Kenneth Branagh's film version of this Shakespearean classic--coming in January from Castle Rock Entertainment--this authoritative edition contains text from the Norton Critical Edition and includes a Preface and footnotes by Cyrus Hoy, professor emeritus of English at the University of Rochester.
Best selling editions of Hamlet
Collecting Hamlet
In this quintessential Shakespearean drama, Hamlets halting pursuit of revenge for his fathers death unfolds in a series of highly charged confrontations that climax in tragedy. The play begins with the ghost of Hamlet's father revealing that he was killed by Hamlet's uncle, Claudius, who has now married Hamlet's mother, Gertrude. Consumed by grief and madness, Hamlet feigns insanity as he plots his revenge. His inner turmoil and moral dilemmas are explored through soliloquies, while the play delves into themes of revenge, betrayal, and the nature of existence. Ultimately, the tragic events unfold, resulting in a climax of death and the ascension of Fortinbras as the new ruler of Denmark.
First Edition Identification
Hodder & Stroughton published a First Edition, First Printing hardcover in New York, circa 1910. This edition was illustrated by W.G. Simmonds. The quarto is bound in green cloth boards with silt lettering and an introduction by Arthur Quiller-Couch.
The Cranach Presse published a first edition hardcover, illustrated by Edward Gordon Craig in 1929.
Cambridge University Press published a First edition, First printing hardcover in 1985, Cambridge. Edited by Philip Edwards
Easton Press published a First Edition, First printing hardcover in 2008, Norwalk. The edition is leather-bound with 3 raised bands.
Other Collectible or Notable Editions
Shakespeare Head Press published a Facsimile of quarto edition hardcover in 1825, Stratford-up-Avon. The edition is bound in half cloth and half leather with gilt and decor.
Kütübhane-i Içtihad published a First Edition thus, First Ottoman-turkish translated hardcover in 1908, Cairo. The edition is characterized by leather binding, gilt on the spine with 4 raised bands. Translated by Örikagasizade Hasan Sirri.
Hodder & Stroughton published a First Edition, First Printing hardcover in New York, circa 1910. This edition was illustrated by W.G. Simmonds. The quarto is bound in green cloth boards with silt lettering and an introduction by Arthur Quiller-Couch.
Blaizot published a French edition hardcover in 1913, Paris. The edition is illustrated by George Bruyer.
The Cranach Presse published a facsimile edition, illustrated by Edward Gordon Craig in 1967. Tan paper covered hardcover boards with vellum spine and tips.
Signet Classics published a paperback in 1963, New York.
The Penguin Shakespeare published a paperback in 1977, London.
Paperback Book Club published a First Edition thus paperback in 1997, New York.
The Folio Society published a Limited Edition, Collectors edition hardcover in 2007, London. The edition is handbound in goatskin leather, marbled page edges and gilting, made in a collection of 3750 copies.
Easton Press published a First Edition, First printing hardcover in 2008, Norwalk. The edition is leather-bound with 3 raised bands.