A Midsummer Night's Dream

I just ordered this edition of the play and have been utterly thrilled. I wish that we had used a version like this in my college Shakespeare classes. I am preparing to teach a class (for ages 10 and up) on "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and a friend recommended this lovely edition as a great version for children. I didn't realize that it could also be a great version for adults! For many of the students in my class, this will be their first Shakespeare play *in the original language* and *unabridged*. This version makes the entire play so much more accessible. Each page has Shakespeare's text on the right side and an explanation on the left (a quick summary at the top, plus explanations of unusual phrases/words below that). In addition, many pages include photos of different versions of that very scene. Plus, the book has several color photos of various productions and includes teaching ideas. The book is so good that I already gave my copy away and have to order more for the class, so I can't refer to it right now to add additional details for the review! This book was a lovely surprise and well worth the money. I own The Riverside Shakespeare, so I didn't think I needed another edition of any of Shakespeare's plays. This book proved me wrong. Even though I am an adult and have already read most of the bard's plays, I still found this version educational and entertaining.

I have been collecting the Calla Editions' books since 2009. My first purchase was Tales of Mystery and Imagination (Calla Editions) and I was so impressed with the quality (wonderful illustrations, superior binding, etc.) that I began collecting the Calla books. Each and every book has been a delight, and not only have these books enhanced my home library, they have been a joy to peruse and read over and over again. Aside from the beautiful bindings, Calla Editions are also distinguished by the superior quality illustrations by renowned illustrators such as Arthur Rackham, Kay Nielsen, Chris Van Allsburg, etc. In Calla Editions' A Midsummer Night's Dream, the illustrations are by W. Heath Robinson. W. Heath was part of an illustrious family of illustrators which also comprised Thomas and Charles. In this volume, W. Heath Robinson's magical illustrations are found not only throughout the book, but also on the half title, frontispiece, title page, etc. There are twelve color plates which evoke all the fantastic imagery of one of Shakespeare's most popular plays, as well as the thirty-two full page black and white illustrations accompanied by quotes from the play. This is indeed a treat for fans of Shakespeare's works as well as those who appreciate a fine, heirloom quality book.

I like reading this edition. The story is timeless and the kindle format makes it easy to enjoy anywhere.

No descriptions, no images, nothing. And nevertheless the visual impact is powerful. I can almost see the virgin nature, feel the warmth of the season, a primal age in which you can rest outside. Shakespeare succeed in represent a distant time, so distant that we can almost touch in friendship the old pagan divinities and spirits of nature. In a forest, unbeknownst to a company of actors and to fugitive lovers, their destiny is woven along the conflicts of Oberon with Titania, sovereigns of the fairies. They have traveled to that forest close to Athens to be at the wedding of Theseus and Hippolyta. Where another writer had been tempted to tell the story of Theseus, Shakespeare instead presents another totally different and unforgettable tale in the borders of myth. Through magic and confusion, askewed love is tried to be straightened; but in the way to it instead get funnily misshapen. The image of a queen treating a donkey as a king is so delicious xD When the day arrives the story changes a bit. I felt like it was not needed, maybe it is a matter of comparison to the night, making it less strong. Or maybe I have to read it again. But sure enough this is a great book (I'd not see it in theater, to be honest I don't like that art) Shakespeare is a genius indeed, one that makes me happy to know enough English to read him. The AmazonClassics edition is limpid. There is X-Ray to be sure about the characters; and not footnotes nor prologues to bother the readers. What to me is of the uttermost importance for the work of a genius for whom his plays were meant, among many qualities, to entertain the public.

The edition I received DID NOT have any illustrations, art or photos as mentioned in several of the posted reviews. It also is not written in a paragraph - easy to follow format with major passages from the original work quoted as another review states. It is a very nice edition with an excellent and lengthy Introduction. This is a High School, College or adult edition (with small typeface. In my opinion it will be a turn-off for most children. I bought it for my 10 yo grand daughter who expressed an interest in Shakespeare plays. As advanced as I feel she is, this is not the right edition for her. In searching AMZ for a better version I noticed that many of the alternatives have the very SAME reviews - regardless of the fact that each version/edition is different. Shame on Amazon! A big disservice to your customers.

Me gusta apesar de q no es el empaque original pq es grande al igual q las letras. El precio fue lo mejor...

A classic. Quick delivery

"A Midsummer Night's Dream (Folger Shakespeare Library)" is a must-have for any Shakespeare enthusiast. The Folger edition beautifully presents this timeless classic with comprehensive annotations, making it accessible to readers of all levels. The insightful commentary provides invaluable context, enhancing the understanding and appreciation of Shakespeare's brilliant storytelling. Whether you're a student, actor, or simply an admirer of the Bard's work, this edition is an indispensable resource for delving into the enchanting world of "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

Most editors are well disposed towards the plays they are asked to edit and Peter Holland is no exception - he tells us that there was no other title he'd have chosen in preference. Not everyone would agree with him about the play's merits, however. His undergraduate friend considered it 'a pappy play', and there have been plenty of other disparaging comments across the centuries. (Famously, Pepys described Dream as 'the most insipid ridiculous play', while for Malone it was unbelievably thin and trite.) After reading this exemplary edition, which reveals much of its full complexity, Dream should not be mistaken for such simple and unsubstantial fare again. Holland begins with a succinct account of modern dream theories, before tackling Classical, medieval and Renaissance views. Particularly interesting is his discussion of treatments of dream in the literature of Shakespeare's contemporaries, where Robert Greene's dismissive stance approximates to that of the rational (but limited) Theseus, while Thomas Lodge's more credulous acceptance of dreams and their mystery aligns him more closely with Hippolyta. The Introduction is astute as well as comprehensive. It observes that doubling the roles of Theseus/Oberon and Hippolyta/Titania has become routine since the 60s, but is critical of those who see this revival of doubling primarily as a solution to financial or pragmatic problems, insisting that it originally had an 'interpretative' function. Holland sees the Elizabethan practice of doubling as a structural device, where 'the audience's recognition of an actor was used to underline the interconnectedness of a series of roles he performed in a play.' Although I'm no historian of critical thought, it seems to me at least that Holland anticipates some of the more influential work of recent scholars. Louis Montrose's study of the Elizabethan theatre's subversion of patriarchal values is hinted at in this edition's Commentary. (See the note on Bottom's apparently innocent use/misuse of the word 'deflowered', p247n, for example.) Equally praiseworthy are the references made to those filmed versions of Dream, like Reinhardt's (1935), that might be considered too dated for extensive, post-Peter Brook discussion. Arden's forthcoming Dream will have a difficult job surpassing its Oxford competitor, first published in 1994. It's just a shame that in the intervening 17 years OUP haven't managed to reference page numbers mentioned in at least three sections of the book: Introduction, Editorial Procedures and Commentary. 'See p000' might suffice at proof stage, but it really isn't good enough so many years on. Peter Holland's informed and constantly illuminating edition deserves better.

The book was very funny. It was a bit hard to understand at first but it’s worth the effort. Also, on each page there’s a side dedicated to a few words/expressions explanations.

👍

It's a nice small book, looks high quality

good