William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare, often hailed as one of the greatest playwrights and poets in the English language, was born in April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. His life spanned a vibrant period known as the Elizabethan era, during which he penned a remarkable collection of plays, sonnets, and poems that continue to resonate with audiences today. Shakespeare's works, ranging from the tragic depths of "Hamlet" to the whimsical charm of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," explore the complexities of human nature, love, and ambition, making them timeless treasures of literature.

Shakespeare's influence extends far beyond the stage; his inventive use of language and mastery of storytelling have left an indelible mark on literature and the arts. If you’re curious to dive into his world, this app offers a wonderful selection of his plays and poems, each inviting you to experience the rich tapestry of emotions and themes that have captivated readers and audiences for centuries. Enjoy the journey through his extraordinary works!

As You Like It

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.4
One of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, As You Like It is a pastoral comedy of mistaken identity, wit, and love. Daughter of a banished duk…

Henry V

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 3.8
After the turmoil and uncertainty of Henry IV a new era appears to dawn for England with the accession of the eponymous Henry V. In this sun…

Julius Caesar

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.4
William Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, based on true events, concerns the conspiracy against Julius Caesar, his assassination i…

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.3
Magic, fairies, young lovers chasing each other through a forest, a man with a donkey's head, and impish Puck wreaking havoc right and left.…

The Tragedy of Macbeth (Version 2)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.6
Macbeth is a play written by William Shakespeare. It is considered one of his darkest and most powerful tragedies. Set in Scotland, the play…

Hamlet (version 3)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.4
The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. Set in the Kingdom of Denmark, the play dramatizes the revenge…

King Lear Alec Guinness

Read by Alec Guinness 4.9
Experience a powerful rendition of Shakespeare's "King Lear" featuring the remarkable Alec Guinness in the title role. This produc…

Romeo and Juliet (version 2)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.7
Romeo and Juliet is Shakespeare's famous tragedy of two "star-crossed lovers" from rival houses. Romeo and Juliet meet at a party …

The Tragedy of King Richard II (version 2)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.4
Billed by scholars as the first part of the all-encompassing Henriad, Richard II is a richly satisfying probe into the inner workings of mon…

The Tragedy of King Richard III

Read by Douglas Henshall 5
Experience the gripping drama of Shakespeare's classic play, The Tragedy of King Richard III, as it unfolds on BBC Radio 3. This production …

Twelfth Night (version 2)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.5
Shakespeare's great festive comedy, probably written and first performed around 1601, follows the adventures of twins Viola and Sebastian, w…

Love's Labour's Lost

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.2
Love's Labour's Lost is an early comedy by William Shakespeare. The King of Navarre and his three friends take a vow of study and seclusion…

Venus and Adonis (dramatic reading)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.3
Venus and Adonis is Shakespeare's narrative poem about the love of the goddess Venus for the mortal youth Adonis, dedicated partly to his pa…

The Life and Death of King John

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.4
The Life and Death of King John, a history play by William Shakespeare, dramatises the reign of John, King of England (ruled 1199–1216), son…

The Merry Wives of Windsor

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.2
The Merry Wives of Windsor is a lively comedy by William Shakespeare that centers on the misadventures of Sir John Falstaff, a rotund knight…

The Two Noble Kinsmen

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.7
The Two Noble Kinsmen is a Jacobean tragicomedy co-written by William Shakespeare and John Fletcher, first published in 1634. Set in ancient…

Some Poems of Shakespeare

Read by Clarica 4.8
A selection of Shakespeare's poems from The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900. (Summary by Clarica)

Henry IV Part 2

5
Shakespeare's Henry IV Part II is about the burden of power, old age, and atonement for the past as King Henry dies and Prince Hal accepts t…

Timon of Athens

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.2
The Life of Timon of Athens is a play by William Shakespeare about the fortunes of an Athenian named Timon (and probably influenced by the p…

The First Part of King Henry IV (version 2)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.8
After the events of Richard II, wherein the conceited King Richard II is dethroned and assassinated, Shakespeare’s Henriad continues apace w…

< 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 >