The Oxford Shakespeare: Hamlet

The Oxford Shakespeare editions are in my opinion the best for scholarly work. They all include introductory matter intended to catch the reader up with current Shakespearian research. This Hamlet edition is edited by G. R. Hibbard. It includes a general introduction that outlines the great tragedy's sources and history, including a lot of material concerning its early and contemporary production history. The text is taken from the Folio edition, but the volume also contains a textual introduction that explains the differences between the various Quarto editions and the Folio. In the text itself there are even notes to point out these differences. The footnotes do a great job of translating Shakespeare's English into more contemporary renderings. Even those new to Shakespearean English should have little trouble making their way through the text. The appendices outline even more distinctions between the various historical sources, sheet music for the songs in the play, and even material concerning the alterations made to the play's lineation. Once again, this edition was clearly designed with the serious scholar in mind. But even the casual Shakespeare reader will gain much from this edition.

This edition of Hamlet has pretty thorough footnotes to guide you through the reading when you need them, which is pretty useful for all the words that are unknown to modern American English. There are also lengthy introductions if you want to read more about the history that surrounds one of Shakespeare's most famous plays.The quality of the book itself is also quite nice. The pages and cover are sturdy, and the spine doesn't bend so easily. No complaints about the quality of the material.

Amazong story and the book wasnt bent at all

In act 4 scene 4 Hamlet’s soliloquy is missing.

The best for Hamlet. The notes are extensive and thorough, much better than other editions I have encountered.All the Oxford Shakespeare editions that I have are top-notch. Just get A.C. Bradley's book of criticism to completeyour reading experience of Hamlet and the other major tragedies.

This book has a wealth of information about the play at the front. The play itself is well footnoted. Heavy book for the size with quality paper.

Got it for my grandson for long plane trip to Japan. He enjoyed it.

Alas poor Hamlet I read you well and I hope not to read you for a while.