The bestselling, authoritative Folger Shakespeare Library edition of Romeo and Juliet, the tragedy of star-crossed lovers, featuring Shakespeares complete original text, expert annotations, scene-by-scene summaries, and trusted scholarship for students, teachers, and general readers.

For more than seventy years, the Folger Shakespeare Library editions have been the standard classroom and reading editions of Shakespeares plays. Used in high schools, colleges, universities, and theaters around the world, each volume combines the complete original text with expert editorial guidance that makes Shakespeares language more accessible while preserving every nuance of the play.

In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare creates a violent world, in which two young people fall in love. It is not simply that their families disapprove; the Montagues and the Capulets are engaged in a blood feud.

In this death-filled setting, the movement from love at first sight to the lovers’ final union in death seems almost inevitable. And yet, this play set in an extraordinary world has become the quintessential story of young love. In part because of its exquisite language, it is easy to respond as if it were about all young lovers.

Whether youre reading Romeo and Juliet for school, teaching it in the classroom, preparing for AP English Literature, studying Shakespeare in college, performing the play, or simply returning to one of the greatest works of English literature, this edition provides the context and guidance to help you read Shakespeare with confidence.

This Folger Shakespeare Library edition includes:
Shakespeares complete original text, carefully edited from the best early printed version of the play Clear explanatory notes conveniently placed on facing pages Scene-by-scene plot summaries for quick review and study An introduction to Shakespeares language and dramatic style A guide to the plays most famous speeches, quotations, and memorable lines A scholarly introduction exploring the plays historical background, themes, characters, and enduring significance An essay by acclaimed Shakespeare scholar Gail Kern Paster Illustrations and images from the Folger Shakespeare Librarys world-renowned collections An annotated guide for further reading and study

The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the worlds largest collection of Shakespeares printed works and one of the worlds leading centers for Shakespeare scholarship, performance, and education. Every Folger Shakespeare Library edition combines authoritative scholarship with practical classroom support, making it an ideal choice for students, educators, actors, book clubs, and anyone seeking an accessible, reliable edition of Shakespeares original plays.