Macbeth

by Shakespeare, William

Macbeth by William Shakespeare is a tragic play that delves into the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition. The story follows Macbeth, a Scottish nobleman, who, driven by his wife's relentless ambition and the prophecies of three witches, succumbs to his own inner darkness. As he ascends to the throne through deceit, Macbeth becomes consumed by guilt and paranoia. The play explores themes of power, guilt, fate, and the corrupting nature of ambition. Through vivid imagery, complex characters, and dramatic soliloquies, Shakespeare masterfully crafts a tale that exposes the psychological turmoil and moral decay that accompany the pursuit of power, leaving the audience with a haunting reflection on the human condition.

Macbeth's precise date remains uncertain, but it is generally considered contemporaneous with other canonical tragedies such as Hamlet, Othello, and King Lear. While some suggest an original writing date as early as 1599, it is more likely that the play was composed no earlier than 1603, celebrating King James' ancestors and the Stuart accession to the throne. Scholars believe Macbeth was written in 1606, following the Gunpowder Plot, with references and allusions to the plot and its trials. The play also reflects the political context of James' reign, exploring themes of kingship and rebellion.

First Edition Identification

The “First Folio” of 1623 remains the primary source for the play and the only early printed text, although some interpolations and additions are suspected. The “First Folio” is indeed the first printing of 36 of Shakespeare’s plays, and it was first published in 1623 by Edward Blount and William and Isaac Jaggard. It is believed there were 750 copies of the First Folio printed in 1623. Only 235 of those are known to survive today, most of them held by The Folger Shakespeare Library.

Other Collectible or Notable Editions

Beyond the “First Folio,” there is also the “Second Folio” (1632), the “Third Folio” (1663), and the “Fourth Folio” (1685). 

In 2007 Folio Society printed a deluxe edition. Hardcover, in a fine slipcase, hand marbled boards bound in leather limited to 3,750 numbered copies. This luxurious set is one of the highly sought-after "Letterpress Editions" of Shakespeare's works, created with the highest quality materials, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.

Copies of Shakespeare’s plays from the Franklin Library are beautifully bound and illustrated, yet affordable.

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Oxford School Shakespeare: Macbeth

Oxford School Shakespeare: Macbeth

by Shakespeare, William

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9780198324003
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Macbeth
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Macbeth

by Shakespeare, William

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First Edition
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1946
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Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1946. First Edition . Hardcover. Very Good -/No Jacket. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Dali, Salvador. 125pp.; HB blk.w/yellow&red-design cover; rubbed w/wear on edges&corners; 6" of spine detached in pieces w/1"chip; hinges cracked; clean,tight pgs. 13 full-page b/w Dali illustrations.
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Macbeth

Macbeth

by Shakespeare, William

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Published
1964
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Riverside Literature Series, student edition. Contains an introduction to Shakespeare and Elizabethan theater, and appendices of topics for reading and discussion. Suitable for middle school or higher. Houghton Mifflin, 1964. Hardcover. Very Good/No Dust Jacket. Illustrated boards, bumped. Previous owner's name & date on FFEP. Binding very tight, text clean, no marks, writing, tears or creases.
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Shakespeare Made Easy: Macbeth

Shakespeare Made Easy: Macbeth

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Macbeth (Wordsworth Classics)

Macbeth (Wordsworth Classics)

by Shakespeare, William

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Macbeth

by William Shakespeare

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2009
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Oxford University Press, UK, 2009. Reprint. Softcover. Good. Softcover. 127 pages. *** PUBLISHING DETAILS: Oxford University Press, UK, 2009. Reprint. *** CONDITION: This book is in good condition. More specifically: Covers have moderate creasing. Corners of covers are moderately bumped. Spine is uncreased. . Pages are clean and unmarked and in excellent condition. *** Michelle… Read more about this item
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Shakespeare Made Easy: Macbeth

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Macbeth

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Macbeth (2009 edition): Oxford School Shakespeare

by William Shakespeare

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03/05/2009
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OUP Oxford, 03/05/2009. Paperback. Used; Good. **WE SHIP WITHIN 24 HRS FROM LONDON, UK, 98% OF OUR ORDERS ARE RECEIVED WITHIN 7-10 DAYS. We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books.
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MacBeth: With Introduction, Notes, and Questions for Review
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MacBeth: With Introduction, Notes, and Questions for Review

by William Shakespeare

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1916
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Good copy of 1916 version of MacBeth: With Introduction, Notes, and Questions for Review. Multiple signatures on title page and FEP.
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Macbeth (A Shorter Shakespeare)

Macbeth (A Shorter Shakespeare)

by SHAKESPEARE, William

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First Edition
Published
1996
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Hardcover
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9780862815998
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UK: Appletree Press, 1996. First Edition . Hardcover. Fine/Fine. Cal Williams. Illustrated in colour by CAL WILLIAMS. Hardback: vg dj, pages clean, includes matching bookmark, fine. tiny book: (155x110mm), 56pp.
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Macbeth

Macbeth

by Shakespeare, William

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1985
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ISBN
9780812035711
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Barrons Educational Services, 1985. Paperback. Good. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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Macbeth (Folger Shakespeare Library)

by Shakespeare, William, Mowat, Dr. Barbara A., Werstine Ph.D., Paul

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1
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9780743477109
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Macbeth

Macbeth

by William Shakespeare

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Published
1952
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Cambridge at the University Press, 1952. Hardcover. Good. 1952. 208 pages. No dust jacket. Red cloth with black lettering. Inscription to front pastedown. Pages are lightly tanned and thumbed at the edges, with light foxing. Binding has remained firm. Boards are a little rub worn with slight shelf wear to corners, spine and edges. Corners are a little… Read more about this item
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Oxford School Shakespeare: Macbeth

Oxford School Shakespeare: Macbeth

by Shakespeare, William

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Macbeth (2009 edition): Oxford School Shakespeare

by William Shakespeare

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OUP Oxford, 03/05/2009. Paperback. Used; Good. Includes Notes and/or Highlights **WE SHIP WITHIN 24 HRS FROM LONDON, UK, 98% OF OUR ORDERS ARE RECEIVED WITHIN 7-10 DAYS. We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books.
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Macbeth

by Shakespeare, William

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1993
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9781853260353
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Ware: Wordsworth Classics. 100 pages, further reading, glossary, edges browned. . Very Good. Paperback. Reprint.. 1993.
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Oxford School Shakespeare: Macbeth

Oxford School Shakespeare: Macbeth

by Shakespeare, William

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9780198324003
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Macbeth (Folger Shakespeare Library)

by Shakespeare, William, Mowat, Dr. Barbara A., Werstine Ph.D., Paul

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Macbeth

Macbeth

by William Shakespeare

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2003
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Soft Cover
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9781580495899
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2003. Soft Cover. Good. Not Ex-Library Copy.Trade Paperback Edition.Good, Slightly Soiled Copy.Binding Is Solid.Text Has Some Notes/Underlining.Not Ex-Library Copy.Corners Slightly Bumped.Spine Has No Creases.
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