William Shakespeare: The Complete Works, Deluxe Edition by William Shakespeare Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of William Shakespeare: The Complete Works, Deluxe Edition
Book Review: The Complete Works, but little else
Summary: 2 Stars
I am not going to comment as so many have on the quality of the content of this book. When dealing with a writer like Shakespeare, it is unnecessary to critique his writing, because nobody would be looking at his Complete Works if they didn't know if they liked his writing. However, I will try to give opinions that may help others decide whether or not to buy this volume of Shakespeare as opposed to another collection.The binding, as some have said, is not of the highest quality, it seems. My copy is completely new (as evidenced by the "gilding" on the pages still sticking in places), yet there are significant creases where the book opens.
The thickness of the paper, which some have claimed is lacking, to me seems quite adequate, especially for a tome of this magnitude. I have recently been using extensively The Norton Anthology of American Literature, whose pages are as thin as tissue paper, so my basis of comparison may be off.
The text itself claims to be unabridged. However, for texts such as King Lear, where at least two conflicting manuscripts exist, the editors give no information as to what choices they themselves made regarding the text. Text that in other editions is noted as having been adjusted by editors is in this edition laid out as truth, with no indication whatsoever. If you are interested in this sort of thing, I would recommend the individual plays published by The New Folger Library, which have excellent editorial markings.
Another problem, in my opinion, is marginalia. This volume contains none, which makes it tremendously difficult if one intends to use this book as reading. Shakespeare is difficult reading even with textual notes, and without borders on impossibility. I'm not sure how easy it is to include extensive footnotes in an anthology like this, but little things like the accents to show when the stress in certain words (e.g. obliged) falls on the last syllable would be nice. For the individual plays with great notes, again I recommend the Folger Library editions.
I would add that the things I have critiqued here are not all things that might matter to another reader. I present them as my feelings, so take with a grain of salt.
Book Review: Can't get enough!
Summary: 5 Stars
After taking three Shakespeare classes in college, I sold my text back. Five years later, I realize that was the dumbest thing I've ever done. Although all my notes from class and highlighted passages aren't included, I look forward to re-reading these works over and over...Book Review: william shakesphere: genius
Summary: 5 Stars
This complete works set simply embodies the essence of shakesphere's unique style of playwrite. Wonderful.Book Review: Booo-ring!
Summary: 1 Stars
Hello Shakespeare, is anyone home? Most people will say that I didn't understand this, but I totally did and it still stinks. It cannot equal the feeling I got from reading abou Frodo and Sam climbing mount doom. And the fight scenes were totally unrealistic. I'm into suspending disbelief and all, but Hamlet? Hello? Like, a ghost living? Give me Mount Doom anyday.Book Review: Shakespeare fan
Summary: 5 Stars
To the person who said Shakespeare is over-rated, I don't think the person knows how to read it while understanding his work. Shakespeare's plays are beautifully written and are pure classics. I am a younger person, but definitely know how to appreciate his work.