The New Oxford Shakespeare from Oxford World’s Classics

Histories, comedies, tragedies...you'll find Shakespeare's finest in our new editions of his classic plays, poetry, and prose from Oxford World’s Classics.

Each new volume uses the text from the landmark The New Oxford Shakespeare: Modern Critical Edition and combines fresh, new scholarship from leading researchers with authoritative texts and comprehensive notes to offer you the ultimate guide to Shakespeare’s work, whether you’re a longtime reader or are new to the Bard.

With more to publish soon explore the first titles in our collection of new editions.

The Comedy of Errors

'How many fond fools serve mad jealousy!'

The Comedy of Errors is one of Shakespeare's most farcical plays, with not one but two sets of twins sliding past each other into mistakes, violence, and madness. An early romantic comedy, it's often considered an immature play but also a piece of dramatic experimentation. This edition examines links between Shakespeare's play and its literary sources and analogues, but also situates it within performance traditions.

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Get Closer to Shakespeare’s Work

Measure for Measure

Emma Whipday introduces how this play explores ‘ungovernable’ women and their position in masculine spaces.

Romeo and Juliet

Hannah August explains how Shakespeare blurred gender identities in this tale of star-crossed lovers.

As You Like It

Hear from Todd Borlik on the natural setting of the play and its relationship with human civilisation.

The Merry Wives of Windsor

Hear from Callan Davies on how this play differs from the 'typical' Shakespearean comedy.

Macbeth

Emma Smith illustrates the physical experience Shakespeare’s most theatrical tragedy offers audiences.

The Tempest

Lauren Working details the enchantment and illusion of Shakespeare’s play.

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Shakespeare - A Discussion with Our Oxford World's Classics Editors

To mark the launch of the first batch of our brand-new Oxford World’s Classics editions of the works of Shakespeare, watch our fantastic editors in this fascinating discussion on some of Shakespeare’s greatest works.

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