A Midsummer Night's Dream(Illustrated)

By William Shakespeare

• Illustrated Edition: Immerse yourself in the magic of Shakespeare's world with 20 stunning illustrations bringing the enchanting characters and settings to life.
• Includes Comprehensive Summary: Dive deep into the plot and themes with a detailed summary that captures the essence of this timeless comedy.
• Character List: Get acquainted with the full cast of characters, from the lovesick youths and mischievous fairies to the bumbling mechanicals.
• Author Biography: Explore the life and legacy of William Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon, and discover the genius behind some of the world’s most beloved plays.

Step into a realm of magic, love, and mischief with this beautifully illustrated edition of William Shakespeare’s "A Midsummer Night's Dream." This classic play, now enriched with 20 captivating illustrations, is a visual feast that brings the whimsical world of Athens and its surrounding enchanted forest to vibrant life.

In this timeless comedy, Shakespeare weaves a complex web of love and desire, as the fates of two young couples become entangled through the mischievous interventions of fairies. The play explores the themes of love, transformation, and the thin line between reality and illusion, all with wit, humor, and a touch of magic.

You'll meet Oberon and Titania, the feuding fairy king and queen, as well as Puck, their mischievous servant whose love potion produces havoc and comedy as you go through the enchanted woodland. Meanwhile, a troupe of amateur performers, commanded by the legendary Bottom, is putting on a play, bringing another layer of levity to the proceedings.

This edition includes a comprehensive summary that delves into the heart of the play's plot and themes, providing readers with a deeper understanding of Shakespeare’s work. The character list offers a handy guide to the play’s large and varied cast, ensuring you can keep track of everyone from the lovestruck youths to the fantastical fairies.

Additionally, discover more about the life and times of William Shakespeare through the included author biography, offering insight into the mind of one of literature’s greatest figures.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Shakespeare or experiencing his work for the first time, this illustrated edition of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a must-have, providing a unique and immersive experience of this beloved play. Let the magic of Shakespeare’s words and the beauty of the illustrations transport you to a world of dreams and revelry under the midsummer night’s sky.

This description aims to entice readers by highlighting the special features of the illustrated edition, the timeless appeal of Shakespeare’s play, and the additional content that enriches the reading experience.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Micheal Smith
• Release date: Nov 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9791222478555

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.

Book preview

A MIDSUMMER

NIGHT’S DREAM

BY

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

ABOUT SHAKESPEARE

Title: Shakespeare: The Bard's Untold Journey

Stratford's Son

In the bustling town of Stratford-upon-Avon, a prodigious child named William was born to John and Mary Shakespeare. From a young age, William exhibited an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, devouring books and absorbing the rich stories and history of his time. His father, a glove maker and local politician, and his mother, of noble lineage, ensured William had a robust education.

The Enigmatic Apprenticeship

As a teenager, William’s life took an unexpected turn. The biography explores a fictional apprenticeship with a traveling group of actors and playwrights, providing him with a treasure trove of experiences that would later permeate his works.

London’s Calling

William’s journey to London is portrayed as a tumultuous adventure, filled with intrigue and the fierce desire to make a mark in the world of theatre. Upon arriving, he navigates the complex and competitive environment of Elizabethan theatre, eventually finding a home with The Lord Chamberlain's Men.

The Heart of a Poet

This chapter delves into Shakespeare’s personal life, exploring his marriage to Anne Hathaway and his relationships with his children. The biography paints a picture of a man deeply in love with words, using his sonnets to express his innermost feelings and thoughts.

The Globe and Glory

Shakespeare’s involvement in the construction of the Globe Theatre is depicted as a crowning achievement and a testament to his commitment to the arts. His plays, from the tragedies of Hamlet and Macbeth to the comedies of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Much Ado About Nothing, are brought to life on its stage.

The Bard’s Final Act

In his final years, Shakespeare returns to Stratford, where he reflects on his illustrious career and the legacy he will leave behind. The biography explores his last works and his profound impact on the future of literature and drama.

Epilogue: The Immortal Bard

Shakespeare’s legacy is examined, showcasing how his words have transcended time and continue to resonate with audiences around the world. The biography concludes by celebrating the enigma that is William Shakespeare, a man whose life was as captivating and complex as the characters he created.

This biography aims to provide a fresh and imaginative perspective on the life of William Shakespeare, intertwining known facts with creative storytelling to celebrate the Bard’s legacy.

SUMMARY

A Midsummer Night's Dream: A Whimsical Dance of Love and Magic

In the heart of a mystical forest, under the luminous glow of the moon, unfolds a tale of love, mischief, and enchantment that transcends the boundaries of reality and dream. William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream is a captivating tapestry of romance, comedy, and fantasy that has bewitched audiences for centuries.

As the story unfurls, we encounter four young lovers entangled in a web of desire and confusion. Hermia and Lysander are madly in love, but Hermia’s father has promised her hand to Demetrius. Helena, in turn, pines for Demetrius’s affection, leading to a chaotic and humorous chase through the forest. Unbeknownst to them, the magical world is watching—and playing—a part in their destiny.

Oberon, the king of the fairies, and his naughty servant Puck construct a love and transformation enchantment that turns the night upside down. A mysterious elixir reroutes affections, and even the royal Titania, queen of the fairies, falls for the most improbable of companions—a mortal transformed into a donkey.

Meanwhile, a troupe of bumbling actors, led by the comical Bottom, rehearse a play for the Duke's wedding. Their theatrical mishaps add a layer of hilarity to the night’s events, culminating in a performance as charmingly chaotic as the love story itself.

As dawn approaches, order is restored, but the line between dream and reality remains deliciously blurred. A Midsummer Night's Dream leaves us questioning what is real and what is illusion, all while reveling in the joy and madness of love in all its forms.

Dive into this enchanting masterpiece and get lost in a world where fairies meddle, love transforms, and the magic of a midsummer night reigns supreme.

This summary aims to capture the essence and allure of A Midsummer Night's Dream, highlighting its major themes and the whimsical journey that makes it a beloved classic.

CHARACTERS LIST

The Athenians:

Theseus: The Duke of Athens, engaged to Hippolyta. He represents order and power in the play.

Hippolyta: The Queen of the Amazons, betrothed to Theseus. She brings a sense of calm and reason to the play.

Hermia: In love with Lysander, but promised to Demetrius by her father. She is strong-willed and passionate.

Lysander: In love with Hermia. He is romantic and determined to marry her despite the obstacles.

Demetrius: Initially in pursuit of Hermia, though he has previously wooed Helena. He is persistent and, at times, aggressive.

Helena: In love with Demetrius, whom she pursues relentlessly. She is insecure and feels spurned in love.

Egeus: Hermia’s father, who wishes her to marry Demetrius. He is strict and patriarchal.

The Fairies:

Oberon: The King of the Fairies, at odds with his wife, Titania. He is powerful and mischievous.

Titania: The Queen of the Fairies, in a dispute with Oberon over a changeling boy. She is proud and strong-willed.

Puck (Robin Goodfellow): A mischievous sprite, servant to Oberon. He is playful and enjoys causing trouble.

Peaseblossom, Cobweb, Moth, Mustardseed: Fairy servants to Titania.

The Mechanicals (A Troupe of Amateur Actors):

Peter Quince: A carpenter, leader of the troupe. He tries to maintain order among the actors.

Nick Bottom: A weaver, plays Pyramus in