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The authoritative edition of A Midsummer Night's Dream from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers.

In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare stages the workings of love. Theseus and Hippolyta, about to marry, are figures from mythology. In the woods outside Theseus’s Athens, two young men and two young women sort themselves out into couples—but not before they form first one love triangle, and then another.

Also in the woods, the king and queen of fairyland, Oberon and Titania, battle over custody of an orphan boy; Oberon uses magic to make Titania fall in love with a weaver named Bottom, whose head is temporarily transformed into that of a donkey by a hobgoblin or “puck,” Robin Goodfellow. Finally, Bottom and his companions ineptly stage the tragedy of “Pyramus and Thisbe.”

This edition includes:
-Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play
-Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play
-Scene-by-scene plot summaries
-A key to the play’s famous lines and phrases
-An introduction to reading Shakespeare’s language
-An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play
-Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Library’s vast holdings of rare books
-An annotated guide to further reading

Essay by Catherine Belsey

The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs. For more information, visit Folger.edu.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William Shakespeare was born in April 1564 in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, on England’s Avon River. When he was eighteen, he married Anne Hathaway. The couple had three children—an older daughter Susanna and twins, Judith and Hamnet. Hamnet, Shakespeare’s only son, died in childhood. The bulk of Shakespeare’s working life was spent in the theater world of London, where he established himself professionally by the early 1590s. He enjoyed success not only as a playwright and poet, but also as an actor and shareholder in an acting company. Although some think that sometime between 1610 and 1613 Shakespeare retired from the theater and returned home to Stratford, where he died in 1616, others believe that he may have continued to work in London until close to his death.

Barbara A. Mowat is Director of Research emerita at the Folger Shakespeare Library, Consulting Editor of Shakespeare Quarterly, and author of The Dramaturgy of Shakespeare’s Romances and of essays on Shakespeare’s plays and their editing.

Paul Werstine is Professor of English at the Graduate School and at King’s University College at Western University. He is a general editor of the New Variorum Shakespeare and author of Early Modern Playhouse Manuscripts and the Editing of Shakespeare and of many papers and articles on the printing and editing of Shakespeare’s plays.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster; Updated edition (July 12, 2016)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1501146211
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1501146213
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3+ years, from customers
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ NC1040L
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.38 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #7,966 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #4 in Comedic Dramas & Plays (Books)
- #6 in British & Irish Dramas & Plays
- #9 in Shakespeare Dramas & Plays

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William Shakespeare
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William Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's preeminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon". His surviving works, including some collaborations, consist of 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and several other poems. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.
Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire and was baptised on 26 April 1564. Thought to have been educated at the local grammar school, he married Anne Hathaway, with whom he went on to have three children, at the age of eighteen, before moving to London to work in the theatre. Two erotic poems, Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece were published in 1593 and 1594 and records of his plays begin to appear in 1594 for Richard III and the three parts of Henry VI. Shakespeare's tragic period lasted from around 1600 to 1608, during which period he wrote plays including Hamlet and Othello. The first editions of the sonnets were published in 1609 but evidence suggests that Shakespeare had been writing them for years for a private readership.
Shakespeare spent the last five years of his life in Stratford, by now a wealthy man. He died on 23 April 1616 and was buried in Holy Trinity Church in Stratford. The first collected edition of his works was published in 1623.
(The portrait details: The Chandos portrait, artist and authenticity unconfirmed. NPG1, © National Portrait Gallery, London)
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Barbara A. Mowat
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Barbara A. Mowat (1934-2017) was the Director of Research Emerita at the Folger Shakespeare Library, consulting editor of Shakespeare Quarterly, and editor (with Paul Werstine) of the Folger Shakespeare Library editions of Shakespeare's works. Her major fields of research interest included Shakespeare’s dramatic romances, early modern printed dramatic texts, and Shakespeare’s reading practices. She received an M.A. degree in English literature from the University of Virginia, a Ph.D. in English literature from Auburn University, and Doctorates of Humane Letters from Amherst College, St. Johns University, and Washington College. Before coming to the Folger, she was Hollifield Professor of English Literature at Auburn University and then Dean of the College at Washington College. She served as president of the Shakespeare Association of America, president of the Southeast Renaissance Conference, chair of the MLA committee on the New Variorum Shakespeare, and was a member of the advisory board of the International Shakespeare Conference.
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Wiliam Shakespeare
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3,320 global ratings

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Customers appreciate how the book provides background on words and syntax, making Shakespeare's language easier to understand. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its educational value, with helpful explanations and scene-by-scene summaries, while its gorgeous illustrations and ability to make readers laugh out loud enhance the reading experience. Additionally, the annotations are well-received, with footnotes explaining unfamiliar words and jokes, and customers find it worth the price.

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Language understanding Enjoyment Educational value Story quality Value for money Illustrations Comedy quality Annotations

128 customers mention "Language understanding"121 positive7 negative

Customers appreciate how the book helps them understand Shakespeare's language, providing background on words and syntax, and offering extensive introductions to the plays.

"...There's a clear synopsis of a complicated plot, a scene-by-scene rundown and even annotated notes along the way explaining the genesis, the subtext..." Read more

"...This version makes the entire play so much more accessible...." Read more

"I liked the dialogue and Shakespeare's language and imagry throughout the play...." Read more

"...The guide includes an introductory discussion of the play's themes and characters, its dramatic structure, its history and historical context and of..." Read more

120 customers mention "Enjoyment"120 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, describing it as a great first read, with one customer noting it's a fantastic way to understand this delightful classic.

"...Clear does full justice to William Shakespeare and is a real service to the average reader who wants to know and understand the works of the..." Read more

"...The book is so good that I already gave my copy away and have to order more for the class, so I can't refer to it right now to add additional..." Read more

"...So reading the play brought back good memories. I recommend it for a summer read. It makes me want to buy Henry the Fourth Part One on Amazon...." Read more

"...guide version makes understanding Shakespeare easier and more enjoyable...." Read more

65 customers mention "Educational value"65 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a great study guide that enhances understanding and is helpful for students, with one customer noting it provides useful information at the beginning of the script.

"...This is the best way for anyone - from young students to just plain "folks" - who wants to experience Shakespeare and bring his works to life...." Read more

"...already read most of the bard's plays, I still found this version educational and entertaining." Read more

"...This accompanying guide makes understanding Shakespeare easier and useful by having a new modern interpretation and translation of Shakespeare's..." Read more

"...Press' A Midsummer Night's Dream shakespeare made clear offers an educator salvation, a student an automatic "A," and the casual reader or theater..." Read more

53 customers mention "Story quality"53 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the story quality of the book, describing it as a classic with a descriptive narrative and clear scene-by-scene summary, highlighting its dramatic structure and major themes.

"...There's a clear synopsis of a complicated plot, a scene-by-scene rundown and even annotated notes along the way explaining the genesis, the subtext..." Read more

"...introductory discussion of the play's themes and characters, its dramatic structure, its history and historical context and of course its author and..." Read more

"...It also gives a run down of the characters and the major themes of the play both of which are quite important to the student who is assigned the..." Read more

"...Critical commentary, interpretation and background are extensive and, most of all, scholarly...." Read more

30 customers mention "Value for money"30 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be worth buying, with one mentioning that the free classics version is perfect, and another noting it's a wonderful three-hour read.

"...This book was a lovely surprise and well worth the money...." Read more

"...(wonderful illustrations, superior binding, etc.) that I began collecting the Calla books...." Read more

"One of my favorite plays, lives rent-free in my head. Had to reread for my Master's program. Great play, indeed!" Read more

"...It is a very nice edition with an excellent and lengthy Introduction. This is a High School, College or adult edition..." Read more

29 customers mention "Illustrations"29 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the gorgeous illustrations in the book, with one customer highlighting the lovely paper cutouts and another noting how well the book looks on a shelf.

"...Plus, the book has several color photos of various productions and includes teaching ideas...." Read more

"...bindings, Calla Editions are also distinguished by the superior quality illustrations by renowned illustrators such as Arthur Rackham, Kay Nielsen,..." Read more

"No descriptions, no images, nothing. And nevertheless the visual impact is powerful...." Read more

"...The color illustrations are fantastic, and it has the right amount of dialogue in the speech bubbles to give kids a clear idea of what's happening..." Read more

27 customers mention "Comedy quality"27 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the comedy in the book, finding it a classic Shakespearean play that makes them laugh out loud.

"...'s Dream" is also one of the most raucous, joyful and merriest of Shakespeare's comedies and a good place to start learning about his plays...." Read more

"...most helpful of all accompanying guides to this timeless touching, playful and insightful story." Read more

"...I even found myself smiling and chuckling as I read...." Read more

"...This book is funny, and allows you to rethink your understanding of Shakespeare." Read more

18 customers mention "Annotations"18 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the annotations in the book, which are published with helpful footnotes and are better than parsing footnotes, with one customer noting that they explain unfamiliar words and jokes.

"...synopsis of a complicated plot, a scene-by-scene rundown and even annotated notes along the way explaining the genesis, the subtext and the history..." Read more

"...Kinda cool to have the additional NOTES sections as well, because NOW I understand the meanings of what I was saying by rote all those years :)..." Read more

"...There's literally a glossary on every page so you don't have to flip to the back of the book!..." Read more

"...edition beautifully presents this timeless classic with comprehensive annotations, making it accessible to readers of all levels...." Read more

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Michael McClay
A Shakespeare Scholar On Shakespeare Made Clear
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2013
Verified Purchase

This series of Shakespeare Made Clear does full justice to William Shakespeare and is a real service to the average reader who wants to know and understand the works of the greatest author/dramatist that ever lived. As in all the Shakespeare Made Clear series there is a simply marvelous rundown about Shakespeare's life and times. His often difficult-to-interpret dialogue is set side-by-side with our own vernacular. Bravo!

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" is also one of the most raucous, joyful and merriest of Shakespeare's comedies and a good place to start learning about his plays. Don't pass this up, it's a fun story...you'll be hooked on Shakespeare for good as well as the Shakespeare Made Clear series. There's a clear synopsis of a complicated plot, a scene-by-scene rundown and even annotated notes along the way explaining the genesis, the subtext and the history of Shakespeare's words and phrases. It also includes a cast of characters, the play's major themes are discussed and an entertaining biography of William Shakespeare to boot. Hear! Hear!

Shakespeare Made Clear honors the works of Shakespeare by making his words and ideas more accessible for the masses. Why should you believe me? In college I was a Theater Arts major, before turning to English and I followed several authors throughout my college days and beyond, but particularly William Shakespeare. I have read all his plays and hundreds of critical essays dissecting his works, so it came as a surprise - no, I must confess, a shock - that after reading everything from dense scholarly theses to Cliff's Notes, that the simplicity of the Shakespeare Made Clear stands alone. This is the best way for anyone - from young students to just plain "folks" - who wants to experience Shakespeare and bring his works to life. Author! Author!

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Kindle Customer
Wonderful Edition of A Midsummer Night's Dream
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2008
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I just ordered this edition of the play and have been utterly thrilled. I wish that we had used a version like this in my college Shakespeare classes. I am preparing to teach a class (for ages 10 and up) on "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and a friend recommended this lovely edition as a great version for children. I didn't realize that it could also be a great version for adults!

For many of the students in my class, this will be their first Shakespeare play *in the original language* and *unabridged*. This version makes the entire play so much more accessible. Each page has Shakespeare's text on the right side and an explanation on the left (a quick summary at the top, plus explanations of unusual phrases/words below that). In addition, many pages include photos of different versions of that very scene.

Plus, the book has several color photos of various productions and includes teaching ideas. The book is so good that I already gave my copy away and have to order more for the class, so I can't refer to it right now to add additional details for the review! This book was a lovely surprise and well worth the money.

I own The Riverside Shakespeare, so I didn't think I needed another edition of any of Shakespeare's plays. This book proved me wrong. Even though I am an adult and have already read most of the bard's plays, I still found this version educational and entertaining.

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4 people found this helpful

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timur yildiz
Tatiana falls under the spell of Puck and loves Bottom who has a Donkey head.
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2024
Verified Purchase
I liked the dialogue and Shakespeare's language and imagry throughout the play. I remember watching the play at Harvard Repratory theater right out side of Harvard Square when I was only four years old. So reading the play brought back good memories. I recommend it for a summer read. It makes me want to buy Henry the Fourth Part One on Amazon. Because I remember reading that play in tenth grade!

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JB Wordsmith
420 year later and more lucid than ever
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2013
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A Midsummer Night's Dream was written 420 years ago so it's syntax of Elizabethan English is quite different and foreign to our modern American English. William Shakespeare was brilliant but his writing reflects his time so it is imperative to have a guide of sorts to breakdown his syntax into our modern syntax making the experience of reading Shakespeare more fulfilling.

This is where A Midsummer Night's Dream (Shakespeare Made Clear) comes in handy as it is the ultimate accompanying guide to the famous story. This accompanying guide version makes understanding Shakespeare easier and more enjoyable. The guide includes an introductory discussion of the play's themes and characters, its dramatic structure, its history and historical context and of course its author and insightful summary at the end. This accompanying guide makes understanding Shakespeare easier and useful by having a new modern interpretation and translation of Shakespeare's original text underneath the original text provided line by line on every page of the play. This is then followed by a detailed explanation featuring insights in Shakespeare's original text with historical facts and deeper motives. As the accompanying guide concludes there is a very helpful and intriguing insight into the play's major themes.

I highly suggest that if you want to not only grasp understanding the complexities of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream but also gain a deeper appreciation for it then buy this most helpful of all accompanying guides to this timeless touching, playful and insightful story.

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4 people found this helpful

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Jurij
Top
Reviewed in Germany on January 9, 2025
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Alles gut

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S.R. Lovesmile
Delightful little book
Reviewed in Canada on February 14, 2024
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It came the next day and it’s a beautiful little book with gilt edging and a ribbon bookmark. Love it.

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Natacha
Full of activities!
Reviewed in France on April 19, 2019
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A perfect edition to make students enjoy the play; a lot of pictures and varied activities to think about the themes and the characters but also the staging and the links one can draw with the role of men/women nowadays... In brief the best edition to fully understand and enjoy the play’s richness!

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Montasir Abdelrahim
good
Reviewed in the United Arab Emirates on November 28, 2021
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good

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Ludovica
Ottimo prodotto
Reviewed in Italy on December 16, 2021
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Prodotto arrivato come nuovo ma al piccolo prezzo dell'usato. Spedizione rapida e il libro è arrivato ben prima della data prevista. Decisamente soddisfatta!

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5.0 out of 5 stars A Shakespeare Scholar On Shakespeare Made Clear

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Edition of A Midsummer Night's Dream

4.0 out of 5 stars Tatiana falls under the spell of Puck and loves Bottom who has a Donkey head.

5.0 out of 5 stars 420 year later and more lucid than ever

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5.0 out of 5 stars Top

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful little book

5.0 out of 5 stars Full of activities!

3.0 out of 5 stars good

5.0 out of 5 stars Ottimo prodotto

A Shakespeare Scholar On Shakespeare Made Clear

Wonderful Edition of A Midsummer Night's Dream

Tatiana falls under the spell of Puck and loves Bottom who has a Donkey head.

420 year later and more lucid than ever

Top

Delightful little book

Full of activities!

good

Ottimo prodotto