Charles Lamb

Romeo and Juliet - A Tale from Shakespeare by Charles Lamb (Illustrated)

Romeo and Juliet - A Tale from Shakespeare. In 1807 Charles and Mary Lamb wrote for William Godwin's "Juvenile Library" their "Tales from Shakespeare"-Charles the tragedies and Mary the comedies. (Romeo and Juliet, one of the tragedies, it is presented here). This was Lamb's first success, for previously to this his experiments in literature had brought him neither money nor reputation; but the "Tales" met with favor from the first. These "Tales" were planned in part for the education of young ladies who were not allowed to peruse the "manly book" till later in life. But the Shakespeare stories of Charles and Mary Lamb have always been, and will always be, eagerly read by men and women, old and young. Shakespeare may not always be easy to read, nor always easy to understand, even for older people. But the "Tales" are. They unfold plot and counterplot with simplicity and exquisite skill. The Tales of Charles and Mary Lamb are a beautiful portico through which young people, and many old ones, can approach the master's mind and work with ease and with delight. Romeo and Juliet by Charles Lamb is illustrated by F. B. Dicksee (9 drawings), W. S. Paget (1 drawing) and E. A. Abbey (1 drawing);