Antony and Cleopatra

Name: Antony and Cleopatra
Rating: 7.26 (30911 reviews)
Author: William Shakespeare
ISBN: 9781726487061

Language: English
Published in: 2018
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Pages: 280
ISBN: 9781726487061

William Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra unfolds a narrative of consuming passion and political upheaval set against the backdrop of ancient empires. This tragedy chronicles the intense bond between Mark Antony, a powerful Roman triumvir, and Cleopatra, the charismatic Queen of Egypt. Their devotion to each other ignites a profound conflict, forcing Antony to choose between his imperial duties and his love, challenging the very foundations of his Roman identity.

The play explores the clash between East and West, duty and desire, as Antony navigates a world of shifting alliances and betrayals. Witness the dramatic consequences of ambition and the emotional cost of an all-consuming love as the choices of these formidable figures lead to an inevitable and tragic downfall. This work offers an enduring examination of the human heart caught between the demands of power and the depths of personal devotion.

Subjects

Original edition details

Antony and Cleopatra (The Arden Shakespeare) Originally published in 1790

Original language

English

Original publisher Routledge Kegan & Paul

Other editions (562)

Also sprach Zarathustra Op. 30 -- Opening and Conclusion (Arr. for Organ) (Edition Peters)

2022 • Alfred Music

English

Antony and Cleopatra : (Annotated)

2017 • Independently Published

English

Antony and Cleopatra (The Annotated Shakespeare)

2007 • Yale University Press

English

Anthony and Cleopatra: The Oxford Shakespeare (Oxford World's Classics)

2008 • Oxford University Press

English

Anthony and Cleopatra

2019 • Independently Published

English

7.26 / 10 (30K ratings)

Reviews summary

Positives

Reviewers largely praise this book as an excellent and engaging introduction to Shakespeare, particularly for younger readers. Many highlight its success in simplifying the complex original play, making it accessible and easy to understand. The book is commended for its beautiful and fantastic illustrations, which enhance the reading experience. Readers found the narrative captivating, describing it as dramatic, action-packed, and capable of holding their attention throughout. Its brevity also makes it a perfect choice for quick reads or bedtime stories, with some finding it re-readable and enjoyable even for older audiences seeking a swift overview of the classic tale. The adaptation is noted for effectively conveying the main plot points and the emotional depth of the story, sparking an early interest in Shakespeare's works.

Negatives

Despite its strengths, some reviewers found the book's condensed nature led to certain drawbacks. Criticisms include the narrative feeling overly brief, disjointed, or vague in places, with some key relationship developments or character motivations being underdeveloped or skipped entirely. A few readers found the story complicated due to the number of characters, and there were instances of confusion regarding character naming, which could be challenging for its target audience. Additionally, some felt the adaptation lacked a clear moral message compared to other Shakespeare stories. A recurring sentiment was a desire for more depth, story, or character exploration, while one reviewer expressed disappointment that the plot closely mirrored historical events, questioning the originality of the source material rather than the adaptation itself. The intensity of certain events also surprised some readers and their students.

Conclusion

Overall, the book is generally regarded as a valuable resource for introducing Shakespeare's dramatic stories to a new generation. It serves as an effective starting point, offering a general understanding of the play without overwhelming readers with the complexities of the original text. This book would particularly appeal to children, pre-teens, and young teenagers beginning their journey into classic literature, as well as families looking for engaging read-alouds. It is also suitable for anyone seeking a concise and illustrated summary of the story of Antony and Cleopatra. However, readers desiring a deeply nuanced plot, extensive character development, or a completely original narrative invention might find themselves wanting more and should consider this book as a bridge to the full, unabridged plays rather than a substitute.

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Rating sources

Subjects

Original edition details

Other editions (562)

Also sprach Zarathustra Op. 30 -- Opening and Conclusion (Arr. for Organ) (Edition Peters)

Antony and Cleopatra : (Annotated)

Antony and Cleopatra (The Annotated Shakespeare)

Anthony and Cleopatra: The Oxford Shakespeare (Oxford World's Classics)

Anthony and Cleopatra