William Shakespeare on The Art of Love

The world may change—but Shakespeare’s words are eternal. No writer has expressed the truth of our human condition with as much eloquence as he, or captured the essence of love quite as beautifully. Here, in a spectacular keepsake volume to treasure, are Shakespeare’s most wonderful writings on love in all its aspects and moods. Superbly illustrated with 75 exquisite artworks, it features an illuminating introduction and brilliant commentary throughout by a Shakespeare scholar. Here are the most dramatic and glorious passages from the plays, with background on their theatrical context, as well as excerpts from his poems and a discussion of some of their most enduring mysteries.
From the star-crossed Romeo and Juliet to the witty, sparring Beatrice and Benedick, from the simmering jealousy of Othello to the enigmatic Dark Lady of the Sonnets, there is so much here to touch our hearts, minds, and spirits.

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?

Thou art more lovely and more temperate…

So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,

So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

                             —Sonnet 18

 

For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings

That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

                             —Sonnet 29

 

Ah, but those tears are pearl which thy love sheds,

And they are rich, and ransom all ill deeds.

                             —Sonnet 34

 

All days are nights to see till I see thee,

And nights bright days when dreams do show thee me.

                             —Sonnet 43

 

So are you to my thoughts as food to life,341

Or as sweet-seasoned showers are to the ground;

And for the peace of you342 I hold such strife

As ’twixt a miser and his wealth is found.

                             —Sonnet 75