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ratings: (4.8/5)
Genre: Classic Literature, Drama, Comedy, Shakespearean Play, Romantic Comedy

Book Review:
'Twelfth Night' is Shakespeare at his most enchanting. It is a play that dances on the edge of melancholy and merriment, exploring the folly and magic of love with unparalleled wit and warmth. The plot of mistaken identity is executed with exquisite comic timing, creating a world where nothing is quite as it seems and everyone is a little bit in love with the wrong person. From the love-sick Duke Orsino's famous opening lines, ''If music be the food of love, play on,'' to the hilarious antics of Sir Toby Belch and the unforgettable Malvolio, the play is filled with iconic characters and scenes. This Penguin Shakespeare edition is a treasure for both new readers and seasoned enthusiasts. The scholarly apparatus provided by editors Hibbard and Wells enriches the reading experience without ever overwhelming it, offering context, clarifying language, and opening up the play's many interpretive possibilities. It is a definitive edition for students, theatre-goers, and anyone wanting to fully appreciate this timeless classic. As Nicholas Hytner beautifully states, it holds ''unrequited love, melancholy, cruelty and joy held in perfect balance.''