Two Noble Kinsmen (2015)

Considered by Thomas de Quincey to be perhaps the most superb work in the language, The Two Noble Kinsmen is set in Athens and was co-written by William Shakespeare and John Fletcher. This Penguin Shakespeare edition is edited by N. W. Bawcutt, with an introduction by Peter Swaab. When Theseus, Duke of Athens, learns that the ruler of Thebes has killed three noble kings, he vows revenge. After Athens triumphs over the rival city, Theseus is impressed by the bravery of two Theban cousins and orders his surgeons to care for them. Their lifelong friendship is soon threatened when both become overwhelmed by love for the dukes beautiful sister. The book includes a general introduction to Shakespeares life and Elizabethan theatre, a separate introduction to the play, a chronology, suggestions for further reading, an essay on performance options for stage and screen, and a commentary.