
TALES FROM SHAKESPEARE - By CHARLES & MARY LAMB - ILLUSTRATED BY ARTHUR RACKHAM
PREFACE
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
A gentle introduction to Shakespeare’s world, this collection reshapes the great playwright’s tales into short, connected narratives that speak directly to young listeners. The retellings keep as much of the original language as possible, letting the lyricism of the Bard’s words shine through while smoothing the story into easy‑to‑follow prose. Each episode offers a glimpse of the drama, comedy, or tragedy that first captivated audiences centuries ago.
Designed for families, the book invites older siblings to share favorite passages and help their younger brothers and sisters explore the characters and plots. The adaptations balance simplicity with the richness of Shakespeare’s verse, providing enough familiar dialogue to spark curiosity without overwhelming a child’s ear. Listeners will come away with a taste of the timeless intrigue that awaits them in the full plays.
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (562K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Suzanne Shell, Janet Blenkinship and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2007-02-24
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1775–1834
Best known for the warm, witty Essays of Elia, this beloved English writer turned everyday memories, friendships, and city life into essays that still feel surprisingly human. He also helped bring Shakespeare to younger readers through Tales from Shakespeare, written with his sister Mary.
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1764–1847
Best remembered for helping bring Shakespeare to younger readers, this English writer created clear, lively retellings that stayed popular for generations. Her life was marked by hardship, but her books still show warmth, intelligence, and a real gift for storytelling.
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