Hamlet (The New Folger Library Shakespeare)

What can one possibly say about the greatest literary work every written in the English language? Just this. Read it again. Hamlet is a work that is subject to multiple interpretations. If you read it 20 years ago it may well mean something different to you now. Was Hamlet mad? Why does he delay acting? What is justice? The play is profound for the questions it raises as well as for its language. It amazed me on reading it again after many years how many lines are in common use now. While some of the words are difficult to understand without a guide it is worth reading an edition that provides this interpretation. It is also worth getting an edition that provides some scholarly interpretation as well.

"Hamlet" is considered, by some, to be Shakespeare's best work. I am not of that school of thought. I've read it. I've watched it played on a stage. I've watched a movie or two based on it. It could be better.

Hamlet (the character) has problems. Apparently, his step-father killed his father. This obsesses Hamlet, who,also, is depressed, manic, neurotic, and fearful. Still, count up the dead bodies that accumulate during the play!

One of the problems with the play is the "play-within-a-play" that goes on for too long. The complete Hamlet can play for over four hours, which is not good for business. Fantastic directors usually manage to get it done in under three hours. Usually, 10% or more of the lines get chopped. The play still drags. Also, usually, someone much too old plays Hamlet. Hamlet should be played by a 16 to 18 year old. So, it is easy to go wrong with this play.

Nevertheless, this play fascinates us, all. Do not be satisfied with only one version of this play.

shakespeare has done it again... and thanks to amazon i was allowed to fully enjoy this great masterpiece

If you ever thought about reading Shakespeare but was turned off or intimidated by the old english, not so with the new folger editions. Your basically reading the play on all the right sided pages , with the left pages reserved for all the definitions and explanations of the sayings and words that might be dificult to understand. This makes it very easy and enjoyable to read.

Hamlet is a book written by William Shakespeare. The book is very thrilling; it keeps you on your feet throughout the read. In the beginning it starts out with a family murder then it moves through incest then a big bang at the end as every major character is killed. This book goes to show that treason gets you know where.