9 Phenomenal Books of William Shakespeare
Literature had been my passion since childhood. Books had always been a part of me. My parents ensured I am fully stocked with different kinds of books to keep me engaged. I was introduced to William Shakespeare, the notable English writer during my school days. I still treasure his books and stories in my heart and feel like reading them over and over again. And believe me, I had done it. The unique part is I understand Shakespearean English (not the translated version but the original script written by him). Now when my son has the tales of Shakespeare in his curriculum, I was quite inspired to write about the 9 phenomenal books of William Shakespeare. These are my best picks and my favourites and more importantly, 23rd April is the birth and death day of the maestro.
Romeo and Juliet
“Romeo and Juliet” is one of the sensuous books of William Shakespeare. Describing the tale of two lovers vehemently in a romantic relationship with each other. But sadly their love life did not turn out into a happy ending due to a raging conflict between their families. The probable time duration the novel was written is between 1591 and 1595. The dramatic narration by Shakespeare is truly magical, describing the feelings of two lovers and how they met each other hiding from their families. Many theatrical plays and a film had been enacted on Romeo and Juliet. I still recollect the balcony scene where both meet with each other.

Julius Caesar
One of the incredible books of William Shakespeare. It was part of my 10th standard curriculum too. I knew all the verses by heart, such is the wonderful description and the narration by the great writer. Though the name mentions Caesar, the tale focused on Brutus in its entirety. Brutus was a Roman senator. But eventually unable to accept the tyranny of Caesar, joins in a conspiracy plot to assassinate him. Although he succeeds, yet the revenge of Caesar's death was taken up by Anthony. Anthony was another senator and an ally of Caesar. He successfully creates hostility against the traitors, rages a war that forced Brutus to a suicide. The drama was first enacted in public in 1599.

Macbeth
Macbeth is a tragic story and one of the most popular books of William Shakespeare. Psychologically influenced by witches that Macbeth can be the King of Scotland, he commits a heinous crime. He was even prompted by his wife to murder Duncan, the reigning King of Scotland to snatch away the throne. But then he was totally obsessed with the crime committed and tangled by guilt. The spree of murders continues, transforming Macbeth into a tyranny. In the end, he and his wife were engulfed in wars and eventually death.

Hamlet
Hamlet was the Prince of Denmark, another tragic story written by Shakespeare between the years 1599 and 1601. It is one of the astounding books of William Shakespeare. A ghost of Hamlet's father (who was the King of Denmark) urges him to avenge his murder by killing the then King, Hamlet's uncle. Madness grips Hamlet as he tries to decide between death and life. The end is tragic where a duel infuriates, killing the King, Queen, Hamlet and those against him.

The Merchant of Venice
It is a story about Antonio, a merchant of Venice. It is one of the intriguing books of William Shakespeare, written probably between the years 1596 and 1599. Antonio borrows a huge amount of money from a Jew named Shylock. He needed the money to help one of his friends to engage in a courtship with a lady named Portia. But he fails to repay the loan and in exchange Shylock demands a pound of flesh from him. Portia mimics herself as a lawyer and saves Antonio.

Othello
Othello is one of the well-known books of William Shakespeare, enacted numerous times in plays and films. Written in 1603, the plot involves Othello, Lago and Desdemona. Othello was a Moorish general in Venice, married to Desdemona. Desdemona was much younger than him and was extremely beautiful and attractive. Lago was a subordinate of Othello and had a grudge against him. He plots a vengeance and eventually tunes Othello to kill his wife in a mood of violent rage.

King Lear
The story is about King Lear, who decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters due to his old age. He plans for a test wherein he asks them how much they love their father. The eldest two provided their explanations whereas the younger and his favourite daughter could not explain in words her love for her father. Lear is infuriated and abandons her. But then he realized his mistake once his two elder daughters betray him. The play was first performed in 1606.

As You Like It
One of the best comedy books of William Shakespeare. The story revolves around Rosalind and her attempt to unite with her love Orlando. Disguised as a boy, she escapes into a forest with her cousin. She finds Orlando and enters into a romantic relationship with him. They eventually get married at the end. The play was written in 1599 and is comprised of love, forgiveness, songs and music.

Anthony and Cleopatra
The plot is about Mark Anthony, the general of Julius Caesar and his love for Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt. Cleopatra was the mother of Julius Caesar's illegitimate son. Rumours of a romance between Anthony and Cleopatra heightened the differences between Anthony and Octavius. Anthony had to reunite with Octavius for the sake of the goodwill of Rome. He is forced to marry Octavius's sister that enrages Cleopatra. She sends out false information about her suicide to Anthony, who decides to kill himself in her arms. Cleopatra commits suicide after being humiliated in the war.

Author
Kuntala
A travel enthusiast craving to explore the exotic destinations in the world, deciphering the mysteries and the thrill concealed in them.
In my place I haven’t had a chance to know more about Shakespeare and his books. Thanks to this list perhaps I will find the ebooks to read!
I love Shakespeare. When I was a kid in school, I hated having to read his work, but now that I’m older, I really appreciate his storytelling and the way he presented everything. Great picks here.
I loved reading Shakespeare in my high school and college days. The stories are so captivating and well written. Its been quite a while since I’ve picked up one of his works but this post has certainly inspired me to do so!
Um I never read of these books but have watched some of these movies. I may given reading a go now as we are not going anywhere anytime soon!
I love literature as well and some of the above books are favorite classics. They truly have stand the test of time.
Great list! My Shakespeare favorite though is A Midsummer Night’s Dream! I think I liked it even more than R + J!
When I think of a prolific writer such as Shakespeare I feel drawn to consider what was happening in his life to bring him to be so fluent in these texts.
I have not read Shakespeare in a long time, but Romeo and Juliet is still my favorite. After all, I have been to Verona, where there is a balcony at Juliet’s house. If you ever get a chance to visit, do that. It was a trip of a lifetime, my favorite city in the entire world, so beautiful Blessings!
I really enjoyed this read! The story of King Lear sounds very interesting, I like the plot.
My favorites will be Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet. They are also the popular ones since a lot of people love them. He is so talented.
I love Shakespeare’s book. Reading all when I was in college. My favorite one is Hamlet.
Hi Kuntala, I love Shakespear. Besides Dante, he’s my favorite writer of all times. My favorite works are “as You Like it” and “Richard III”
Hamlet is one of my favorites. Romeo and Juliet too of course! I grew up reading it!
Shakespeare’s works are one of the best literary works of all time, and I love reading some of his books like Romeo and Juliet, and As You Like It. The theatre play adaptation of these stories are also great.
Thanks for the article. It was nostalgia and reminded me of my school days. Seriously he had written such strong plays back in those days.
Would you believe that I did not read any of these? Hard to believe for myself…