CLASSICS National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped The Library of Congress Washington, D.C. 1994 Renaissance through 1699 William Shakespeare _Plays_ Shakespeare probably began writing plays in the 1580s and continued until his death in 1616. There is debate among literary historians concerning the exact dates for his plays. Cassettes All's Well That Ends Well RC 26343 read by Gale Garnett 2 cassettes A dramatic comedy about a young woman who saves a king's life and is given her choice of husbands. The man she loves does not reciprocate her affection, and the play deals with her attempts to claim him legally if not amorously. Antony and Cleopatra RC 26930 read by Patrick Horgan 2 cassettes A historical tragedy of the love between a Roman soldier-prince and an Egyptian queen. Antony provokes Cleopatra by a political marriage to Caesar's sister, but later splits with Caesar and returns to Egypt, which becomes the scene of a tragic battle. As You Like It RC 26344 read by Norman Barrs 2 cassettes A pastoral comedy set primarily in the forest of Arden. A duke is exiled by his cruel brother, who later banishes his daughter as well. The action switches from the court to the forest where the exiles and friends wander in a maze of romances and mixed identities. This edition includes introductory notes and modern literary criticism. The Comedy of Errors RC 26443 read by John Horton 1 cassette A dramatic comedy about a family divided exactly in half by a shipwreck. Each half contains one parent, one twin son, and one twin slave. Their attempts to become reunited cause many mistaken-identity mix-ups and are complicated by the father's impending execution if he does not produce a ransom. Hamlet RC 24285 read by Geoffrey Sherman 1 cassette A tragic drama about a young prince attempting to avenge his father's murder. His uncle has seduced Hamlet's mother, killed his father, and usurped his claim to the crown. Hamlet's melancholic, irresolute temperament, however, inhibits decisive action and contributes to more calamaties. Julius Caesar RC 25921 read by Patrick Horgan 1 cassette Caesar's dearest friend, Marcus Brutus, is convinced that it is his patriotic duty to participate in the assassination of his megalomaniacal ruler. A historical drama that can be interpreted on many levels. King Lear RC 29214 read by Jon Beryl 1 cassette A tragedy concerning a petulant king and his three daughters. Amid much political action, Lear is taken in by false avowals of love from two of his daughters, and disinherits the third because of her refusal to flatter him. Macbeth RC 24293 read by Tom Martin 1 cassette The tragedy of the Scottish thane who becomes obsessed with the desire for power and, spurred on by his wife, murders Duncan, his king, in order to become king himself. A study of the profound guilt and fear which overtake Macbeth and his wife. The Merchant of Venice RC 21495 read by Gordon Gould 1 cassette A drama about a Jewish money lender, Shylock, who agrees to loan the protagonist money only if he places the "pound of flesh" closest to his heart as collateral. When his debtor's ship sinks, Shylock tries to collect and a clever court case ensues. A Midsummer Night's Dream RC 23336 read by Douglas Seale 1 cassette A comedy of lovers and fairy revels set in the woods of Athens. With the complexity of three separate plots, this dramatic farce is complete with spells and enchantments by the King of the Fairies and Puck, his mischievous servant. Richard III RC 17496 read by John Horton 2 cassettes A historical tragedy of Richard of Gloucester's ruthless elimination of all obstacles to his kingship. Spiritually and physically deformed, he murders remorselessly, employing his intelligence and acrid wit to gain his selfish ends. Romeo and Juliet RC 34707 read by George Holmes 1 cassette A romantic tragedy of two teenagers from rival families who fall in love. Romeo's sentence of exile and Juliet's impending arranged marriage threaten to separate the lovers forever. A friar suggests a ruse to accomplish their union, but miscommunication causes it to backfire. Braille All's Well That Ends Well BR 1086 1 volume A dramatic comedy about a young woman who saves a king's life and is given her choice of husbands. The man she loves does not reciprocate her affection, and the play deals with her attempts to claim him legally if not amorously. Antony and Cleopatra BR 1087 and BR 1519 1 volume A historical tragedy of the love between a Roman soldier-prince and an Egyptian queen. Antony provokes Cleopatra by a political marriage to Caesar's sister, but later splits with Caesar and returns to Egypt, which becomes the scene of a tragic battle. As You Like It BR 1088 1 volume A pastoral comedy set primarily in the forest of Arden. A duke is exiled by his cruel brother, who later banishes his daughter as well. The action switches from the court to the forest where the exiles and friends wander in a maze of romances and mixed identities. The Comedy of Errors BR 1089 1 volume A dramatic comedy about a family divided exactly in half by a shipwreck. Each half contains one parent, one twin son, and one twin slave. Their attempts to become reunited cause many mistaken-identity mix-ups and are complicated by the father's impending execution if he does not produce a ransom. Coriolanus BR 1090 1 volume A tragedy dealing with a haughty Roman patrician who is given the surname Coriolanus in honor of his victory over the Volscians in the battle at Corioli. Persuaded to seek election to the consulship, he angers the people with his arrogance and is eventually banished from the city. The play records his attempts to get revenge on Rome. Cymbeline BR 1091 and BR 1520 1 volume A drama about a British king who banishes his daughter's husband in disapproval of their secret marriage. A series of deceptions causes all to believe the young woman dead, but coincidences lead to some happy reunions. Hamlet BR 1092 and BR 1521 1 volume A tragic drama about a young prince attempting to avenge his father's murder. His uncle has seduced Hamlet's mother, killed his father, and usurped his claim to the crown. Hamlet's melancholic, irresolute temperament, however, inhibits decisive action and contributes to more calamities. Henry IV, Parts One and Two BR 1093 2 volumes A historical drama in two parts about the young Prince Hal, who wishes to live some irresponsible years before assuming royal duties. His anxious father sadly compares him to Hotspur, the over-zealous, melodramatic son of the Earl of Northumberland. However, even as he cavorts with rowdy drunkards, Hal is conscious of his royal destiny. Henry V BR 1094 1 volume A historical drama dealing with suspected treason, the invasion of France, a decisive battle, and a royal courtship. Two knaves and a braggart provide comic relief. Henry VI BR 1078 3 volumes A three-part historical drama. The first part deals with the French-English wars during the early fifteenth century. Part II includes Henry's marriage and Yorkist intrigues. In Part III Henry surrenders the crown and is later murdered by an unscrupulous duke. Henry VI, Part 1 BR 1516 1 volume A three-part historical drama. The first part deals with the French-English wars during the early fifteenth century. Henry VI, Part 2 BR 1517 1 volume A three-part historical drama. Part II includes Henry's marriage and Yorkist intrigues. Henry VI, Part 3 BR 1518 1 volume A three-part historical drama. In Part III Henry surrenders the crown and is later murdered by an unscrupulous duke. Henry VIII BR 1079 and BR 1523 1 volume A historical drama about the execution of the Duke of Buckingham, Henry's divorce from Katharine and marriage to Anne Boleyn, and the death of Cardinal Wolsey. Julius Caesar BR 1080 1 volume Caesar's dearest friend, Marcus Brutus, is convinced that it is his patriotic duty to participate in the assassination of his megalomaniacal ruler. A historical drama that can be interpreted on many levels. King John BR 1081 and BR 1524 1 volume A historical drama dealing with the reign and death of King John, an early thirteenth-century English ruler, remembered historically as a cruel and licentious man. The play deals principally with his usurpation of his nephew's claim to the throne. King Lear BR 1082 and BR 1525 1 volume A tragedy concerning a petulant king and his three daughters. Amid much political action, Lear is taken in by false avowals of love from two of his daughters, and disinherits the third because of her refusal to flatter him. Love's Labor's Lost BR 1083 1 volume A dramatic comedy in which the king of Navarre and his friends swear to avoid the company of women and devote themselves to study for three years. Their plans go awry when the charming Princess of France arrives on a diplomatic mission with three vivacious ladies. Macbeth BR 1084 1 volume The tragedy of the Scottish thane who becomes obsessed with the desire for power and, spurred on by his wife, murders Duncan, his king, in order to become king himself. A study of the profound guilt and fear which overtake Macbeth and his wife. Measure for Measure BR 1085 1 volume A dramatic comedy about a duke reluctant to enforce chastity laws. He temporarily leaves Vienna in the hands of an overly zealous prosecutor, but must quickly reassume leadership to clear up entanglements and save a life. The Merchant of Venice BR 1101 1 volume A drama about a Jewish money lender, Shylock, who agrees to loan the protagonist money only if he places the "pound of flesh" closest to his heart as collateral. When his debtor's ship sinks, Shylock tries to collect and a clever court case ensues. The Merry Wives of Windsor BR 1102 1 volume In this comic drama, Falstaff, a rowdy drunkard pinched for funds, decides to make love to the wives of Ford and Page since they control their husbands' money. Nym and Pistol, discarded followers of Falstaff, warn the husbands and a merry assignation begins. A Midsummer Night's Dream BR 1103 1 volume A comedy of lovers and fairy revels set in the woods of Athens. With the complexity of three separate plots, this dramatic farce is complete with spells and enchantments by the King of the Fairies and Puck, his mischievous servant. Much Ado about Nothing BR 1104 1 volume A comic drama concerning two pairs of lovers and the complications that arise when a jealous troublemaker slyly casts a shadow on the honor of one of the women. Othello BR 1105 1 volume A drama about Othello, a Moor in the service of Venice who marries a senator's daughter. He overcomes the father's opposition, but is sabotaged by an older soldier whom he failed to promote. By prevarication, the soldier creates jealousy leading to confusion and tragedy. Pericles BR 1106 1 volume A romantic drama about the trials of Prince Pericles, which begin when he guesses the king's incestuous love for his daughter and is banished. He is shipwrecked and marries a foreign princess who appears to die in childbirth. Years of confusion and mishap precede a joyous family reunion. Richard II BR 1107 1 volume A historical tragedy about Richard II, a weak and self-pitying king of England. After arbitrarily banishing Henry Bolingbroke and Thomas Mowbray, Richard confiscates a large inheritance of Henry's to finance the Irish War. When Henry returns to usurp the throne, the ineffectual Richard despairs. Richard III BR 1108 1 volume A historical tragedy of Richard of Gloucester's ruthless extermination of all obstacles to his immediate kingship. Spiritually and physically deformed, he murders remorselessly, employing his intelligence and acrid wit to gain his thoroughly selfish ends. Romeo and Juliet BR 1109 1 volume A romantic tragedy of two teenagers from rival families who fall in love. Romeo's sentence of exile and Juliet's impending arranged marriage threaten to separate the lovers forever. A friar suggests a ruse to accomplish their union, but miscommunication causes it to backfire. The Taming of the Shrew BR 1110 1 volume A dramatic comedy about a young woman of violent whims and tempers whose father is so anxious to see her married that he forbids his younger daughter to marry first. An imperturbable gentleman accepts her hand and begins the relentless taming process. The Tempest BR 1111 1 volume A romantic drama about a duke who is ousted from his throne and banished, with his daughter, to an enchanted island. He releases some spellbound spirits who help him to undo his usurper. Timon of Athens BR 1112 1 volume A dramatic satire of an extravagant lord of Athens who simultaneously loses his wealth and his fawning friends. He retires to a cave in the woods where he meets Alcibiades, an Athenian captain, who is waging war on Athens. Titus Andronicus BR 1113 1 volume A tragedy about Titus Andronicus, a Roman general under the Empire, who avenges the atrocities committed against his family. Troilus and Cressida BR 1114 1 volume A play about the love of Troilus, a son of the King of Troy, for Cressida, daughter of Calchas the priest. Calchas, knowing of the fall of Troy, flees to the Greeks, leaving his daughter in Troy where she is taken prisoner. Twelfth Night BR 1115 1 volume A comedy about brother and sister twins who are separated by shipwreck. Mistaken identities and lovers' problems precede their eventual reunion. Two Gentlemen of Verona BR 1116 1 volume A romantic comedy about two sets of lovers. The infidelity of one of the gentlemen leads to complications and temporary heartbreak, but the constancy of one woman brings her success in love. The Winter's Tale BR 1117 1 volume A comedy about King Leontes of Sicilia who becomes unjustifiably jealous of his wife's actions toward his friend, the king of Bohemia. His lack of trust costs him sixteen years of mourning before things are resolved happily for all. _Poetry_ Cassettes Shakespeare: Songs from the Plays RC 21494 read by Alexander Scourby 1 cassette Songs and lyrics from seventeen of Shakespeare's plays and from _Henry VIII_, whose authorship is doubtful, and _The Two Noble Kinsmen_, a play believed to be a collaboration between Shakespeare and John Fletcher. The Sonnets RC 24580 read by Geoffrey Sherman 2 cassettes Sonnets 1 through 126, addressed to a young man, and sonnets 127 through 154, to a dark-haired woman, are introduced by poet W.H. Auden, who discusses the erotic and sexual aspects of the themes. Braille All the Love Poems of Shakespeare BR 6476 1 volume This volume includes the complete _Venus and Adonis_ as well as _The Passionate Pilgrim_, _A Lover's Complaint_, and the sonnets. The Sonnets BR 6634 2 volumes Sonnets 1 through 126, addressed to a young man, and sonnets 127 through 154, to a dark-haired woman, are introduced by poet W.H. Auden, who discusses the erotic and sexual aspects of the themes. Other Authors Cassettes Don Quixote of La Mancha RC 24290 by Miguel de Cervantes read by Edward Blake 7 cassettes A Spanish parody of romances of chivalry whose hero is an addlepated, idealistic old country gentleman. Accompanied by his ignorant but shrewd and practical squire, he sets out like a knight of old to search for adventure and to right wrongs. 1615. The Trials of Persiles and Sigismunda: A Northern Story RC 31146 by Miguel de Cervantes read by Noah Siegel 3 cassettes Cervantes himself declared as his masterpiece this tale of a quest ending in marriage and in personal and religious enlightenment. On their journey, Persiles and Sigismunda find romance, shipwreck, scoundrels, witches and werewolves, widows and wenches, and Olympic games. Their return finds them filled with a deeper understanding of themselves and each other and fit to rule the Northern Kingdom. 1617. Complete Poetry and Selected Prose RC 15709 by John Donne read by Alan Haines and Lester Rawlins 4 cassettes Works ranging from the early love lyrics to the later metaphysical writings by the seventeenth-century English poet. _The Prince_ and Other Works RC 13495 by Niccolo Machiavelli read by Ryan Halloran 2 cassettes A seasoned diplomat and counselor to the rulers of Renaissance Florence expounds his views on government. Machiavelli's "Prince" has gained a reputation as a "textbook for the tyrant." The letters and discourses included, however, show a preference for a republican form of government and argue for the common good of the people. Included are "Discourse on Reforming the Government of Florence," "The Life of Castruccio Castracani," the "Capitolo on Fortune," familiar letters, and "Discourses on Livy." 1513. The Portable Milton RC 24311 by John Milton read by Norman Barrs 5 cassettes Includes the poems _Paradise Lost_, _Paradise Regained_, and "Samson Agonistes." Some of the prose works are "Areopagitica" and "Of Education." The Misanthrope RC 26355 by MoliŠre read by Noah Siegel 1 cassette Alceste, a misanthrope, vows to speak and act with complete honesty; he will no longer adhere to the conventions of the hypocritical society that surrounds him. Somewhat contradictorily, however, he prefers vain, coquettish Celimene to gentle, sincere Eliante. 1666. The School for Wives RC 18492 by MoliŠre read by Jonathan Farwell 1 cassette Five-act comedy by the seventeenth-century French dramatist in which Arnolphe attempts to ensure the fidelity of his intended wife, Agnes, by having her brought up in unsophisticated innocence. His plans go awry when she meets young Horace. 1662. Tartuffe RC 25274 by MoliŠre read by John Horton 1 cassette A religious hypocrite, Tartuffe, worms his way into the household of Orgon, a credulous fool, who promises his daughter in marriage and deeds his entire property to the imposter. When Orgon orders Tartuffe from the house for attempting to seduce his wife, Tartuffe holds the title to the house. 1669. Utopia RC 16539 by Thomas More read by Jonathan Farwell 1 cassette The English martyr discusses the evils of the world and asserts the need for an ideal state. He describes a fictional state that he imagines as a self-sufficient island supporting a perfectly organized and happy people. 1516. The Faerie Queen RC 29266 by Edmund Spenser read by Gordon Gould 6 cassettes Dedicated to Queen Elizabeth I. Spenser wrote this epic sixteenth-century romance as an allegory of moral virtue founded on the manners and customs of chivalry. 1579. Braille Selected Poems BR 367 by John Dryden 2 volumes Represents the full range of Dryden's achievements in mock heroic verse, satire, epistle, ode, song, stage prologue and epilogue, and translation. *** 6/1/95 (gft) ***