This collection is a compilation of 36 plays by a renowned English playwright, published seven years after his death. It includes comedies, histories, and tragedies, some of which had never been published before. Notable works in the compilation include "Macbeth," "Julius Caesar," "Twelfth Night," "The Tempest," and "As You Like It." The collection is considered one of the most influential books ever published in the English language, as it preserved many of the playwright's works that might have otherwise been lost.

"The Tempest" is a classic play about a sorcerer and rightful Duke of Milan who has been stranded on an island for 12 years with his daughter after being betrayed by his brother. Using his magical powers and the help of an airy spirit, he conjures a storm to shipwreck his brother and other enemies on the island. The narrative explores themes of revenge, power, magic, and forgiveness as the sorcerer manipulates events on the island to regain his dukedom and secure a good future for his daughter.

This classic play tells the tragic love story of two young individuals from feuding families in Verona, Italy. Despite their families' ongoing conflict, the pair secretly marry and vow to be together, no matter the cost. Their commitment leads to a series of unfortunate events, including misunderstandings, banishments, and ultimately, their untimely deaths. Their demise, however, reconciles their feuding families, leaving a poignant message about the destructive power of hate and the redemptive power of love.

"Othello" is a tragic play about a Moorish general in the Venetian army who is manipulated by his ensign into believing that his wife is unfaithful. Consumed by jealousy, the general kills his wife, only to discover that she was innocent. Filled with remorse, he then takes his own life. The play explores themes of love, jealousy, betrayal, and racism.

This classic play dramatizes the political and personal machinations surrounding the assassination of a powerful leader. The narrative follows the conspirators' plot, their execution of the plan, and the resulting chaos and war. The themes of ambition, loyalty, and the struggle for power are explored through complex character interactions and memorable soliloquies. The play also examines the consequences of political violence and the unpredictable nature of history.

This classic play revolves around two pairs of lovers in the city of Messina. The first pair, Hero and Claudio, are young and innocent, while the second pair, Beatrice and Benedick, are older and more cynical about love. Throughout the plot, the couples face various challenges including deception, public humiliation, and the faked death of Hero. However, with the help of their friends and family, they overcome these obstacles and the story concludes with a joyful double wedding.

"The White Devil" is a gripping and darkly captivating play that delves into the themes of revenge, corruption, and deceit. Set in 16th century Italy, the story follows the lives of two powerful families, the Brachiano and the Medici, as they engage in a web of treachery and manipulation. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, the characters are consumed by their own desires, leading to a tragic and bloody climax. With its complex characters and intricate plot, "The White Devil" explores the depths of human nature and the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition.

This classic play follows the story of a merchant in Venice who is in dire financial straits and borrows money from a Jewish moneylender, promising a pound of his own flesh as collateral. When he is unable to repay the debt, the moneylender demands his due, leading to a court case and moral dilemma about mercy and justice. Meanwhile, the moneylender's daughter elopes with a Christian, further complicating the relationships between characters. The narrative explores themes of prejudice, love, and the law.

"The Winter's Tale" is a tragicomedy that tells the story of Leontes, a king who unjustly accuses his wife Hermione of infidelity with his best friend. Consumed by his jealousy, he orders her imprisonment, causing their son's death and supposedly leading to Hermione's death as well. After 16 years, Leontes is reunited with his daughter, believed to have died at birth but actually raised by a shepherd. The story concludes with a statue of Hermione coming to life, revealing that she had been alive all along, living in hiding. The play explores themes of jealousy, loss, redemption, and the healing power of time.

This classic play is a comedic tale of love, deception, and transformation. It focuses on the courtship of Petruchio, a gentleman of Verona, and Katherina, the headstrong, obdurate shrew. Initially, Katherina is an unwilling participant in the relationship, but Petruchio breaks down her resistance with various psychological torments. The play ends with the tamed Katherina the most obedient wife among three couples, raising questions about the roles of men and women.

"Volpone" is a satirical comedy set in 17th century Venice, where the cunning protagonist, Volpone, and his servant, Mosca, swindle the city's wealthy elite by pretending Volpone is on his deathbed and in need of a worthy heir. This prompts a series of greedy contenders who offer extravagant gifts in hope of being named the heir. Despite their successful deceit, their scheme is eventually exposed, leading to their downfall. The story serves as a critique of greed and corruption, highlighting the destructive power of unchecked ambition.

"Venice Preserv'd" is a tragic play set in the politically tumultuous city of Venice, where conspiracy and betrayal intertwine with personal drama. The plot centers around Jaffeir, a noble Venetian who joins a group of conspirators aiming to overthrow the corrupt government after feeling betrayed by the state. His loyalty is tested when he must choose between his allegiance to the conspiracy and his love for Belvidera, the daughter of a senator. As the story unfolds, the characters are caught in a web of intrigue, leading to a climax that exposes the complexities of honor, friendship, and the devastating consequences of political and personal treachery.

The play is a tragic tale set in Parma, Italy, centered around the forbidden love between Giovanni and his sister Annabella. Despite societal taboos and the grave moral implications, the siblings embark on an incestuous relationship, which leads to Annabella's pregnancy. As the story unfolds, their secret is threatened by external suitors, family pressures, and societal expectations, resulting in a series of deceitful acts, betrayals, and violent outcomes. The play explores themes of passion, morality, and the devastating consequences of transgressing social boundaries, culminating in a dramatic and bloody conclusion that underscores the destructive power of forbidden love.

The play is a dark Renaissance tragedy that tells the story of a young widow, the Duchess, who defies her two corrupt brothers by secretly marrying her steward, Antonio, with whom she has three children. Her brothers, one a twisted cardinal and the other a mentally unstable duke, are driven by greed and power. They employ a spy, Bosola, to uncover her secret, leading to a series of tragic events. The brothers' quest for control results in a bloody and vengeful cycle of murder, madness, and betrayal, ultimately leading to the downfall of almost every main character in a grim commentary on the corrupting nature of power and the vulnerability of women in a male-dominated society.

The play is a tragic drama set in ancient Rome that follows the life of the titular military leader, known for his valor and exceptional combat skills. However, his inability to navigate the complex web of Roman politics and his contempt for the common people lead to his downfall. After being banished from Rome due to his arrogance and the machinations of political adversaries, he seeks revenge by allying himself with a former enemy. His tragic flaw, excessive pride, and the manipulation by those around him ultimately result in a climactic and fatal confrontation that seals his fate.