The Portable Shakespeare (Penguin Classics)

Rating:
Summary: Good starter for those interested in Shakepeare
Review: I was so glad this came out, as a lover of shakespeare i wanted to find something that had many of his works in one volume, but not the two huge volumes like "the complete works." This book is a good starter for those not familiar with his writing. It covers all the subjects he wrote (example: tragedy, comedy, sonnets etc), the selections are chosen well, all his popular writngs are included (macbeth, romeo and juliet, hamlet)some in full length. This is also good for lovers of shakespeare or students who want to save money, instead of buying plays individualy. However i do miss the mini lexicon that comes in other copies of his plays and hope that one is included in further editions.

Rating:
Summary: A good introduction to Shakespeare
Review: This book is a great way to read the paramount of english literature. I read him for fun. It provides seven plays, most or maybe all of the sonnets, and some excerpts from other works. If you have the money I recommend a collected works edition, but if you can't afford it, or you are not sure you're that interested in Shakespeare, then read this first. This series is in general a good way to read the classics. I often get the "portables" to get to know an author's work and some of the modern commentary on the author.

Rating:
Summary: Portablilty is key
Review: Who wants to lug around a huge volume of the Complete Works? This paperback edition has a great selection of the major plays that should provide years of entertaining reading. Great for traveling,etc. Leave the heavy Complete Works at home and take the Bard on the road with you.