Shakespeares English

Award winning drama from SmartPass. Unabridged, with guided description to set the scene and fill in visual moments. From the creators of SmartPass guides, named 2004 & 2005 Best Drama, Best Original audio winners at the Spoken Word Awards.

The Taming of the Shrew is a classic comedy by William Shakespeare featuring characters Petruchio and Katherina. The work is deeply laden with sexism and gender issues as Petruchio "tames" Katherina in an increasingly abusive relationship. A classic throughout the ages, you simply must hear this story.

Shakespeare's era was abuzz with mathematical progress, from the new concept of "zero" to Galileo's redraft of the heavens. Now, Rob Eastaway uncovers the many surprising ways math shaped Shakespeare's plays—and his world—touring astronomy, code-breaking, color theory, navigation, music, sports, and more.

This highly entertaining anthology of verse is the comic, tragic, tender, and telling story of life's seven ages, from childhood to old age. Within the framework of Shakespeare's speech, "The Seven Ages of Man," performed by Sir Ian McKellen, are 150 great poems from all ages, from Chaucer to Emily Dickinson to Walt Whitman and many others. The poem are presented by the finest cast ever assembled on one recording and includes Ralph Fiennes, Dame Judi Dench, John Cleese, Michael Caine, and more.

Young love, bawdiness and exuberance are played out in these comedies that continue to make us laugh and cheer. Performed by an incredible array of the 20th century’s greatest actors, Marlowe alumni including Ian McKellen, Diana Rigg, Derek Jacobi and Prunella Scales can be heard in these recordings.

After an insult from the French Dauphin, King Henry V of England invades France to claim the throne he believes should be his. Henry stops an assassination plot, gives powerful speeches and wins battles against the odds. In the end, he woos and marries the princess of France, linking the two nations....

This is an adapted version of William Shakespeare's Cymbeline. It is abridged and in plain English rather than full Shakespearean language. Most position Cymbeline as a tragedy, though others consider it a romance or possibly a comedy. It is believed to have been written in the early 1600s. The romance features the king's daughter, while the Queen plots, and the king's sons were believed lost decades ago as infants. This version is adapted by Hazel Jeffs, offering an engaging retelling of this classic tale.

Julius Caesar is at the height of his power. He has just defeated his top rival and is basking in the glory of his triumph. Some believe that he is abusing his power, though, and behind his back, a conspiracy is developing to assassinate him. Even his close advisor Brutus is swayed to participate in the murder plot. Once Caesar is murdered, the conspirators are forced to explain themselves to Rome’s citizens and explain their intentions and attempt to convince them that this murder was necessary to create peace.

Shakespeare's Sonnets, one of the most remarkable collections of poetry, was first published in 1609, 400 years ago by Mr Thomas Thorpe. Naxos AudioBooks marks the occasion with a selection of 80 of the finest, read by leading actors. The selection includes famous ones such as 'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day' as well as lesser well-known sonnets though of equally fine stature.

This is a story from the Famous People in History collection.

A tight-knit community is shocked by revelations from decades past in this "enthralling" (Associated Press) literary mystery that "will keep you racing toward the end" (Lisa Gardner). The lead homicide investigator in a rural town, Detective Sergeant Gemma Woodstock is deeply unnerved when a...

"Macbeth" is a play written by William Shakespeare. Set mainly in Scotland, the play illustrates the damaging physical and psychological effects of political ambition on those who seek power for its own sake. It was most likely written during the reign of James I, who had been James VI of Scotland before he succeeded to the English throne in 1603. James was a patron of Shakespeare's acting company, and of all the plays Shakespeare wrote during James's reign, "Macbeth" most clearly reflects the playwright's relationship with the sovereign.

In this fast-paced introduction, Ros King sets out to remind us of the sheer beauty and sophistication that can make Shakespeare’s works a joy for any audience. Exploring his invention and wit, along with his uncanny characterisation, King argues archaic language should be no barrier to the modern reader. This guide summarises the Bard’s life and background, detailing his plays and poetry in such a way that they are made accessible enough for everyone to admire.

Originally published in 1634 and believed to be Shakespeare's final play, Two Noble Kinsmen is a tragedy with romantic themes. The play is based on a story from Chaucer (The Knight's Tale). Themes include war, love, banishment, obsession and madness. This adaptation by playwright Hazel Jeffs converts Shakespeare's work into more accessible plain English.

In this classic Shakespeare tale as adapted for a younger audience by Elaina Garcia, Coriolanus makes his name as a general defending Rome. However, he does not win support of the people as a Roman consul, so he must make other plans. This version is adapted for a younger audience, told in plain English and downplaying some of the more adult themes of the play while remaining true to Shakespeare's plot and intent.

This is a plain English and abridged adaptation of Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida. The play is set towards the end of the Trojan War, and loosely follows sections of the Iliad. The play combines two key plotlines: the romance between Troilus and Cressida, and the ongoing Trojan war. This adaptation simplifies Shakespeare's language, but retains the key elements of his play. This is theatrical production by a full cast.

This production is abridged and in plain English. Timon of Athens (The Life of Tymon of Athens) is perhaps Shakespeare's sharpest satire on wealth, greed, and betrayal. Scholars generally classify Timon either as a tragedy or a problem play.

Here is a full-cast, unabridged performance with comprehensive commentary and analysis for any student to fully understand and appreciate the play. Meet literature's greatest villain in this tragedy, fuelled by jealous rage. Journey into the twisted mind of Iago, who freely admits "I am not what I am", to truly get under the skin of this wondrous play.

Award-winning drama from SmartPass. Unabridged, with guided description to set the scene and fill in visual moments.

From the creators of SmartPass guides, named 2004 & 2005 Best Drama, Best Original audio winners at the Spoken Word Awards.

"The Tragedy of Macbeth" is a play written by William Shakespeare. Set mainly in Scotland, the play illustrates the damaging physical and psychological effects of political ambition on those who seek power for its own sake. The play was most likely written during the reign of James I, who had been James VI of Scotland before he succeeded to the English throne in 1603. James was a patron of Shakespeare's acting company and of all the plays Shakespeare wrote during James's reign, "Macbeth" most clearly reflects the playwright's relationship with the sovereign.