Tales from Shakespeare - Paperback

by Charles Lamb (Author), Mary Lamb (Author)

Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb is a beloved classic that transforms the brilliance of Shakespeare's plays into engaging and accessible prose for younger readers and beginners. Carefully adapted from the original texts, this collection brings to life famous tragedies like Hamlet and Macbeth, comedies such as A Midsummer Night's Dream, and romances like The Tempest--all while preserving the spirit and richness of the Bard's storytelling. Whether you're new to Shakespeare or revisiting his genius, this edition makes his tales enjoyable, educational, and enduring for readers of all ages.

Shakespeare made simple, magical, and unforgettable.

• Explore Shakespeare's masterpieces through simplified and vivid storytelling.
• Delve into themes of love, revenge, magic, and destiny made easy to understand.
• Discover the timeless characters and plots that have shaped literature and drama for centuries.
• Experience a gateway into classical literature for students, young readers, and beginners.
• Enjoy faithful adaptations that retain Shakespeare's tone and narrative brilliance in prose form.

Author Biography

"Mary Ann Lamb (1764- 1847) and Charles Lamb (1775- 1834) were born in London to John and Elizabeth Lamb. While Mary was the third of the seven children, Charles was the youngest. Their father, John Lamb, worked for Samuel Salt, an English lawyer and politician. The young Lambs were allowed access to Salt's library. At a very young age, Charles was taught to read by Mary. In 1806, they wrote Tales from Shakespeare to familiarize the young with Shakespeare's plays. While Mary was responsible for the comedies, Charles wrote the tragedies. A collection of twenty stories, it was published in 1807 and has never been out of print.
The following year, Mary wrote and published her collection of tales titled Mrs. Leicester's School. Poems for Children, another work by Charles and Mary, was published in 1810. Charles began writing essays which first appeared in The London Magazine in 1820. His collection titled Essays of Elia was published in 1823.
The second volume of his essays titled Last Essays of Elia were published by the publisher Edward Moxon in 1833. Charles breathed his last on December 27, 1834, and was buried at the All Saints' Churchyard, Edmonton. Mary outlasted him by more than a decade. She died on May 20, 1847, and was buried next to Charles in the Churchyard."