Tab Article

ratings: (4.8/5)
Genre: Classic Literature, Drama, Tragedy, Shakespearean Play, Historical Romance

Book Review:
'Antony and Cleopatra' is Shakespeare's epic vision of love and power on a global scale. It is a play of breathtaking scope, moving between the political machinations of Rome and the sensual allure of Egypt. At its heart are two of literature's most unforgettable lovers: Antony, the great soldier torn between his world and his heart, and Cleopatra, the ''serpent of old Nile,'' whose infinite variety captivates and confounds. Their love is grand, destructive, and utterly mesmerizing. Shakespeare's language in this play is among his most rich and varied, from the crisp political debates in Rome to the passionate, poetic exchanges between the lovers. The tragedy unfolds on a monumental scale, yet it remains intensely personal. This New Penguin edition, edited by the distinguished scholar Emrys Jones, is superb. The introduction illuminates the play's historical sources, its poetic language, and its complex characters. Endorsed by the RSC, it is the edition of choice for students and theatre-lovers alike. A timeless masterpiece of passion, politics, and human frailty.