William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare, often hailed as one of the greatest playwrights and poets in the English language, was born in April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. His life spanned a vibrant period known as the Elizabethan era, during which he penned a remarkable collection of plays, sonnets, and poems that continue to resonate with audiences today. Shakespeare's works, ranging from the tragic depths of "Hamlet" to the whimsical charm of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," explore the complexities of human nature, love, and ambition, making them timeless treasures of literature.

Shakespeare's influence extends far beyond the stage; his inventive use of language and mastery of storytelling have left an indelible mark on literature and the arts. If you’re curious to dive into his world, this app offers a wonderful selection of his plays and poems, each inviting you to experience the rich tapestry of emotions and themes that have captivated readers and audiences for centuries. Enjoy the journey through his extraordinary works!

All's Well That Ends Well

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.5
Despite its optimistic title, Shakespeare's All's Well That Ends Well has often been considered a "problem play." Ostensibly a com…

Pericles, Prince of Tyre

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.4
Pericles, Prince of Tyre is a captivating Jacobean play that weaves a tale of adventure, loss, and redemption. Following the journey of Peri…

The Life and Death of King John

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.4
The Life and Death of King John, a history play by William Shakespeare, dramatises the reign of John, King of England (ruled 1199–1216), son…

The Tragedy of Macbeth

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.5
Murder and madness, witches and war: Librivox presents a recording of Macbeth, perhaps Shakespeare's best known tragedy. Macbeth, a genera…

The Tragedy of King Richard II (version 2)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.4
Billed by scholars as the first part of the all-encompassing Henriad, Richard II is a richly satisfying probe into the inner workings of mon…

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.3
Magic, fairies, young lovers chasing each other through a forest, a man with a donkey's head, and impish Puck wreaking havoc right and left.…

Hamlet (version 3)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.4
The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. Set in the Kingdom of Denmark, the play dramatizes the revenge…

The Tragedy of King Richard III

Read by Douglas Henshall 5
Experience the gripping drama of Shakespeare's classic play, The Tragedy of King Richard III, as it unfolds on BBC Radio 3. This production …

Shakespeare's Sonnets (version 2)

Read by Chris Hughes 4.5
Shakespeare's Sonnets is a profound exploration of love, beauty, and the human experience, encapsulated in 154 masterful poems. Written by t…

King Henry IV, Part 1

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.3
King Henry IV, Part 1 is the second of Shakespeare’s eight Wars of the Roses history plays, with events following those of King Richard II. …

Twelfth Night (version 2)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.5
Shakespeare's great festive comedy, probably written and first performed around 1601, follows the adventures of twins Viola and Sebastian, w…

The Tragedy of Macbeth (Version 2)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.6
Macbeth is a play written by William Shakespeare. It is considered one of his darkest and most powerful tragedies. Set in Scotland, the play…

Venus and Adonis (dramatic reading)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.3
Venus and Adonis is Shakespeare's narrative poem about the love of the goddess Venus for the mortal youth Adonis, dedicated partly to his pa…

Henry VI, Part 2

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.3
Henry VI, Part 2 or The Second Part of Henry the Sixth (often written as 2 Henry VI) is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to ha…

Romeo and Juliet (version 2)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.7
Romeo and Juliet is Shakespeare's famous tragedy of two "star-crossed lovers" from rival houses. Romeo and Juliet meet at a party …

The Comedy of Errors

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.3
The Comedy of Errors is one of William Shakespeare's earliest plays, believed to have been written between 1592 and 1594. It is his shortest…

William Shakespeare The Merchant Of Venice

Read by Simon Jack 4.4
The Merchant of Venice features a stellar cast including Andrew Scott, Ray Fearon, Hayley Atwell, and Colin Morgan. This adaptation presents…

The First Part of King Henry IV (version 2)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.8
After the events of Richard II, wherein the conceited King Richard II is dethroned and assassinated, Shakespeare’s Henriad continues apace w…

The Two Noble Kinsmen

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.7
The Two Noble Kinsmen is a Jacobean tragicomedy co-written by William Shakespeare and John Fletcher, first published in 1634. Set in ancient…

As You Like It (version 3)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.6
Long theorized to be one of Shakespeare's mid-career works, As You Like It remains an evergreen favorite for audiences and scholars alike fo…

< 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 >