William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was a poet, playwright, and actor who is widely regarded as one of the most influential writers in the history of the English language. Often referred to as the Bard of Avon, Shakespeare's vast body of work includes comedic, tragic, and historical plays; poems; and 154 sonnets. His dramatic works have been translated into every major language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.

Romeo and Juliet - William Shakespeare - Edited by J. A. Bryant, Jr. Samuel Johnson: From The Plays of William Shakespeare
Samuel Taylor Coleridge: From The Lectures of 1811-1812, Lecture VII
H. B. Charlton: From Shakespearian Tragedy
Michael Goldman: ?Romeo and Juliet?: The Meaning of Theatrical Experience
Susan Snyder: Beyond Comedy: ?Romeo and Juliet?
Sylvan Barnet: ?Romeo and Juliet? on the Stage and Screen

NEWLY ADDED ESSAYS:
Marianne Novy: Violence, Love, and Gender in ?Romeo and Juliet?

The Signet Classics edition of William Shakespeare's timeless story of star-crossed lovers.
One of the Bard's most popular plays, this is both the quintessential story of young love and a cautionary tale of the tragedy that can occur when the forces of passion and familial pride are at odds.
This title in the Signet Classics Shakespeare series includes:
• An overview of Shakespeare's life, world, and theater
• A special introduction to the play by the editor, J.A. Bryant, Jr.
• The source from which Shakespeare derived Romeo and Juliet, Arthur Brooke's The Tragicall Historye of Romeus and Juliet
• Dramatic criticism from Samuel Johnson, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Michael Goldman, and others
• A comprehensive stage and screen history of notable actors, directors, and productions of Romeo and Juliet
• Text, notes, and commentaries printed in the clearest, most readable format
• Recommended readings