The Tempest

Written by William Shakespeare and Edith Nesbit

Narrated by Josh Verbae

Set on a remote island, where the sorcerer Prospero, rightful Duke of Milan, plots to restore his daughter, Miranda, to her rightful place using illusion and skilful manipulation.

This edition of The Tempest is an adaptation of Shakespeare's eponymous drama, narrated in plain modern English, capturing the very essence and key elements of Shakespeare's original work. Read in English, unabridged.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Interactive Media
• Release date: Feb 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781787244245

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare is the world's greatest ever playwright. Born in 1564, he split his time between Stratford-upon-Avon and London, where he worked as a playwright, poet and actor. In 1582 he married Anne Hathaway. Shakespeare died in 1616 at the age of fifty-two, leaving three children—Susanna, Hamnet and Judith. The rest is silence.

Reviews for The Tempest

[nittnut · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was just OK for me. I am pretty fussy about my Shakespeare I guess (I know, what nerve). I liked the audio production and it was entertaining, but pretty standard fare. Deposed ruler living on deserted island with daughter learns magic. Uses magical skills to cause a shipwreck, bringing a suitor for his daughter and the chance to right wrongs. Happy ending. Some familiar bits of language - "stuff as dreams are made on", "brave new world" and "strange bedfellows" - to note.

[scott_hercher · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Not one of the Bard's best.

[m_dow · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The story of a prince who is shipwrecked in a strange land on his journey home is a frequent theme of Classical literature. These strange lands are almost certainly snares, attempts to prevent the hero from fulfilling his destiny and arriving at his homeland, and the usual method of entrapment is seduction.Odysseus on Calypso's island, Aeneas in Carthage, and Jason and Medea as told in the Metamorphoses. In The Tempest, Ferdinand finds himself in just such a situation. Washed up on a strange shore, Ferdinand meets the strange and entrancing woman who bewitches him and inspires him to remain in captivity instead of heading home to rule his city. He believes that he is the king (1.2.435 "Myself am Naples"), but will remain on the island for Miranda's sake. What makes The Tempest different from the other stories is the presence of Prospero, the one who is actually orchestrating the lovers' encounter.Prospero was a philosopher-king defeated by a MachiavelProspero was a stranger ot his state, "being transported / and rapt in secret studies." Antonio is described as having set "All hearts i' the' state / to what tune pleased his ear, . . " (1.2.79-116), who realized that he had to learn Machiavellianism if he was to maintain his throne. He speaks in Machiavellian terms of Fortune bringing him the opportunity which he must not neglect (1.2.178-184). He manipulates the situation to his best possible advantage; intersetingly, he does this through Baconian methods. His whole life has been about studying ways to manipulate nature, achieving power over nature. This is what enables him in the end to achieve power over the shipwrecked men -- for the power of man over Nature really means the power of some men over other men with Nature as the instrument.Prospero takes a fundamentally adversarial stance to Nature as portrayed by both of the original inhabitants of the island, Caliban and Ariel. He originally tried being nice to Caliban (1.2.344-348), but learned to his chagrin that this part of nature is tricksy and unyielding. He also freed Ariel from the pine tree, but only because Ariel is useful to him; he dominates Ariel, praising and scorning him by turns even as a large part of his power depends on the sprite. He cannot afford to alienate Ariel as he has alienated Caliban, but he still dominates. Prospero believes that he is manipulating everything for the greater good, but he is still manipulating it all, and this will eventually lead to what we know as the Brave New World (5.1.182-185).It is possible to argue that Prospero's endeavor is not Baconian, since he rarely directly manipulates nature but instead relies on a cooperative spirit. Lewis described the eschatology of our power over Nature in Miracles, this way: "In the walking on the Water we see the relations of spirit and Nature so altered that Nature can be made to do whatever spirit pleases. This new obedience of Nature is, of course, not to be separated even in thought from spirit's own obedience to the Father of Spirits. Apart from that proviso such obedience by Nature, if it were possible, would result in chaos: the evil dream of Magic arises from finite spirit's longing to get that power without paying that price. The evil reality of lawless applied science (which is Magic's son and heir) is actually reducing large tracts of Nature to disorder and sterility at this very moment." But when Prospero hears of Gonzalo's tears, his reason defeats his baser desires for vengeance and he realizes that all his manipulation is of the same school as Medea's.(5.1.15-20) It's not noble, it's selfish witchcraft, and he renounces it by quoting Medea's own description of her powers.

[collingsruth · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

None of the characters sucked me in, but the themes it explores are fascinating within the historical and biographical background.

[sjgirl-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I’m not even a little scholarly so this was read and reviewed from purely an entertainment standpoint.While I like a bit of magic, the way it’s done here is the sort I struggle with, I like rules, I like parameters on magic/powers rather than feeling like the author or in this case the playwright can use it at any time to take the easy way out of any corner they’ve written the story into, I guess to me it makes the narrative feel somewhat manipulated rather than fully earned. Plus I mean if there are no limits to what Prospero can do with the magic and spirits or whatever else at his disposal then how did he even end up shipwrecked and why didn’t he leave the island eons ago and reclaim his position of power? I wish there had been more to the insta-romance as given the animosity between the families there was more to explore in the dynamics of this relationship. Where this worked best for me was in the scheming and conniving, those moments held my interest even if ultimately all of it seemed to resolve just a little too easily.

[pgchuis · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The first time through I felt as if nothing much happened in this play, but on a re-read, I like it better. I think I need to watch a performance or two for the full effect.

[dinadansfriend · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A moderately amusing play, with what were probably musical interludes, and some dancing. Magician finally executes a small revenge, and marries off his daughter. I saw a stage production with a one-armed actor playing Prospero quite effectively.

[tobinelliott · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Back on solid footing after the last two or three plays. I quite enjoyed this one despite all the songs (Arkangel is terrible with these), and the massive info-dumpy beginning.

Overall, I think it was the magic in general, and Ariel in particular that sold this one for me.

[bill5bradford · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is part of a project to update some of Shakespeare's plays to make them more accessible to modern audiences while keeping the essential nature and structures of the original work. Cavander does an outstanding job at this. While reading a play is not the same as seeing it performed - and thus any review limited in that aspect - I believe he gained clarity without losing anything from the original. Now I would like to see it performed.

[arewenotben · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

RSC @Barbican - First time watching and came in with virtually zero knowledge... although didn't expect a romance (of sorts). The big sell for me was Simon Russell Beale as Prospero (excellent, the final meta-soliloquy left me in tears - the guy can act) and the Intel assisted CGI (less spectacular than I anticipated, but think my seat was maybe too good(!) to appreciate it.)

Not quite what I expected, but intrigued to rewatch/read - certainly some interesting elements regarding colonialism and feminism.

[jonfaith · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

his complexion is perfect gallows.

Disappointed today. First with Goodreads and the elimination of the Most Read Author function. Second with my coworkers. Alas my bootless cries were soon lost in the squall of my imagination as I swept through this play. It is impossible to not think of race and perhaps immigration when reading about shipwrecked royals and marriage masques rife with spirits and harpies. There is much of the Other. There is also considerable drinking and an all-too-pat love story.

The Bard again balances the nobles and the proles in a tale of endless voyage both maritime and celestial, all larded with stuff of dreams.

[velmeran · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It's Shakespeare. Really, what else can I say?

[deckla_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A great play. Never forget Sir Patrick Stewart in the title role. This version includes: Forward, Intro, essay on The Tempest in performance (through 1984), description of the Globe, essay on Shakespeare's sources (with excerpts), annotated bibliography, memorable lines.

[neverstopreading-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

 Dramatized audio recordings of are difficult for to listen to because there are so many minor characters. This one was a bit more manageable.

[melissalenhardt · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Even a genius is allowed to be average once in a while. Reportedly the last play Shakespeare wrote on his own, I can't help but wonder if he mailed it in on this. Maybe he needed the money? Maybe he was fulfilling a contract for one more play, much like Hitchcock did with the abhorrent movie Jamacia Inn, his last British production before moving to Hollywood. Whatever the case, The Tempest was neither romantic enough to make me fall in love, tragic enough to make me sad or funny enough to make me laugh. But, it is Shakespheare so even his meh efforts are better than most, but still. Not up to his standards.

I read along with the text while I listened to the audio version, a practice I highly recommend. I wish I could have done that in high school. I'll definitely suggest immersion reading to my children as they enter high school and discover Shakespeare.

[regularguy5mb · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Being Shakespeare's last play, The Tempest is a masterful piece in which he uses Prospero as a stand-in for himself within a play full of the magic of stagecraft and his position as playwright.Using all the mystical techniques at his disposal (theatre), Prospero the magician (playwright) writes his tale of revenge as a ship containing his treasonous brother sails near enough to the island for him to set the stage at long last.The Tempest also stands as a magnificent tale even without the allegory. The rightful Duke of Milan (Prospero) is set adrift along with his daughter by his treacherous brother, but manages to survive on an island for twelve years with the help of his magic and the spirits of the island he has impressed into his service. Now, the King of Naples sails home along with Prospero's brother and he can finally seek his revenge, making sure to set his daughter into a happy role as well before things are done.I just love the way this play uses the stage to show Prospero's magic and Ariel's abilities. It truly is a great work by one of the masters.This particular volume I picked up from a local library sale and intend to add it to my Little Free Library for someone else to discover.

[pjulian-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazingg.. It has the ability to enchant every reader through its imagination. The part that I liked less is how (most probably unwittingly I suppose) did Shakespeare show how did Colonisation worked and the attitude of the colonised towards the coloniser. Overall, it gave me a feel of an old tale finishing up. All the negative characters were simply puppets in the hands of Prospers and it was in the understanding of the endurance that we were able to enjoy the present conquests of Prospero. Overall, a wonderful read.

[antao-3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Published 1998.


On this re-reading I noticed that the word "brave" was used a few times in the movies that I watched (Taymor, 2010 & Jarman 1979).

I like this word. It generates a very good feeling in my heart. This word often makes me think of someone who has a quality to face something difficult with the strength of heart / mind / body... Does not take me much to feel a respect and admiration for this person...

I also come to know that the word "brave" describes something wonderful, admirable in appearance...

And I just got curious to see how often the word "brave" was used in "The Tempest". And I started reading the play to look for the word "brave" and "bravely", and every time I found one of these words, I put a post-it note to the page to keep track of it... No, I did not use any fancy software to sort out the words or count the words... The work was done manually... Though I tried to be as faithful and accurate as possible, there might be a few occasions that I missed finding these words...

It looks like there are 11 occasions that the words "Brave" or "Bravely" were mentioned...

The rest of this review can be found elsewhere.

[lydia1879 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read this book in university in my first year and really liked reading it.

I loved Miranda, she's such a sassy character. Maybe even a little bit feminist? She's certainly defiant enough. Of course, like a lot of other people, I prefer Shakespeare's comedies (or at least, his lighter plays) to his tragedies. I love the island and how Shakespeare uses it as a microcosm to explore the possibilities of a world that is turned upside down by magic.


I love some of the description that Shakespeare uses in this piece - he talks about a victim of a shipwreck, saying that his eyes are pears and... how this person has been transformed into a part of the ocean life.

This is a beautiful, magical little play full of witty little quips and Shakespeare's usual messages about human folly and social commentary.

5 stars. c:

[fernandosfjr-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

O que dizer?

"O, wonder!

How many godly creatures are there here!

How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world,

That has such people in 't!".

[katieloucks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

love it!!!!

[jennaelf · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was the first Shakespeare play I ever read - from an old white-covered paperback I had when I was 9 years old. I probably didn't understand it very well back then. I REALLY liked the title, though.

Now, it's still good stuff.

For me, supplementing my reading with a viewing of Helen Mirren as Prospera... magnified my enjoyment of this book tremendously.

[engpunk77 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this more than other mandatory Shakespeare reads in college because this was required for the best English class ever: "Making Monsters". Ms. Cook's guidance was not annoying like Corum's.

[martinbodek · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book a bit different was
From oth'rs of The Bard I've read.
More with of the fantastic
F'r sooth, and f'r the head.
'Twas an amalgam of stylings.
Or mashup, if thou wouldst.
With manipulations, calculations
machinations, Prospero couldst.
All through, as always all
The language play is dear,
And Merrily doth I findeth it
When bent towards William's ear.
7 books of the smith have I read, what, ho!
And now if thou wilt excuseth me, I have 30 more to go.

[trilliams · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Wizards, man, who knows.

[bullfinch-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Saw a magnificent production of this at Nottingham Playhouse. The shipwreck took place before the beginning proper. While we the audience were prevented from entering, the duke of milan and his fellows got swept from the foyer into the auditorium which was roaring orange light. Everything went quiet. Then we were allowed in to see Prospero on stage in a totally serene blue stage.

[aliceanna-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A very visual play -- it is difficult to read because I think it really needs to be seen for impact. Other than Miranda and Prospero, the characters seemed to blend together; they weren't that well-defined in their differences ... except for the monstrous Caliban, of course. Some nice passages -- "We are such stuff as dreams are made on."

[potterhead9.75 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

His weakest work.

[rmagahiz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A strange but moving work, performed here by a wonderful set of players.

[tiffanyak_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a genuinely good work of drama, which I had to read for my Intro. to Drama class. This is one of those works of Shakespeare that has been done in a multitude of forms and variations, so it is quite likely that everyone has a rough idea of the story. Still, you really cannot replace the original. It's a bit odd, but quite good fun as well. As to the edition itself, I found it to be greatly helpful in understanding the action in the play. It has a layout which places each page of the play opposite a page of notes, definitions, explanations, and other things needed to understand that page more thoroughly. While I didn't always need it, I was certainly glad to have it whenever I ran into a turn of language that was unfamiliar, and I definitely appreciated the scene-by-scene summaries. Really, if you want to or need to read Shakespeare, an edition such as this is really the way to go, especially until you get more accustomed to it.