William Shakespeare Complete Works Second Edition - Authoritative

In this review of the William Shakespeare Complete Works Second Edition, the bottom line is clear: this is the best single-volume reference for readers who want the First Folio text restored with modern editorial clarity. Edited by Jonathan Bate and Eric Rasmussen and endorsed by the Royal Shakespeare Company, the edition prioritizes fidelity to the original Complete Works while providing readable presentation and helpful notes, making it ideal for students, actors, and general readers seeking a reliable, comprehensive text.

Key Features

• First Folio restoration: Presents the Complete Works assembled from the 1623 First Folio tradition, giving readers a text closer to the original collated by Shakespeare's fellow actors.
• Scholarly editing: Edited and annotated by Jonathan Bate and Eric Rasmussen, the edition offers expert commentary that clarifies textual choices and stage directions.
• Readable design: The second edition uses a modern typographic approach and layout that improves readability for long reading sessions and study.
• Critical apparatus: Includes footnotes and critical notes for each play, giving quick reference to variant readings and editorial decisions.
• Attractive jacket: Customers praise the jacket cover design, which protects the text and presents a professional, collectible appearance.

Who It's For

This edition is well suited for students, performers, and serious readers who want a single-volume Complete Works that leans on the First Folio tradition and benefits from contemporary scholarship. The clear annotations and critical apparatus make it useful for classroom citation, rehearsal preparation, and close reading.

Readers who need heavily annotated academic editions with extensive modernized notes or multiple separate volumes for each play might prefer specialized scholarly editions, but most readers will find this a superior balance of authoritative text and practical readability.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive single-volume collection that restores the First Folio text for authenticity.
• Clear editorial commentary from respected scholars that aids comprehension and research.
• Readable text design and a well-reviewed jacket cover that make the book pleasant to handle and read.

Cons

• As a single-volume Complete Works, it may be less convenient for those who prefer separate volumes for in-depth scholarly apparatus per play.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The William Shakespeare Complete Works Second Edition is an excellent single-volume edition for readers who want an authoritative First Folio-rooted text combined with usable editorial notes. Its balance of scholarship, readability, and attractive presentation makes it good value for students, actors, and general readers who need one reliable, durable Complete Works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition follow the First Folio text?
Yes, the second edition restores the First Folio tradition as its textual basis while providing editorial notes on variant readings.

Are there notes and annotations for each play?
Yes, the edition includes footnotes and a critical apparatus to help with comprehension and scholarly reference.

Is this suitable for performance preparation?
Yes, actors and directors will find the readable layout and stage-relevant editorial comments helpful for rehearsal and interpretation.