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girl smiling and wearing an Elizabethan ruff

Shakespeare wrote at least 38 plays and over 150 short and long poems, many of which are considered to be the finest ever written in English. His works have been translated into every major living language, and some others besides (the Folger collection include translations in Esperanto and Klingon), and more than 400 years after his death, they continue to be performed around the world.

Find your favorite Shakespeare play

Explore all Shakespeare’s works

Romeo and Juliet
Work

Romeo and Juliet

In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare creates a violent world, in which two young people fall in love. It is not simply that their families disapprove; the Montagues and the Capulets are engaged in a blood feud. In this death-filled setting, the…

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Work

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare stages the workings of love. Theseus and Hippolyta, about to marry, are figures from mythology. In the woods outside Theseus’s Athens, two young men and two young women sort themselves out into couples—but not…

Macbeth
Work

Macbeth

In 1603, James VI of Scotland ascended the English throne, becoming James I of England. London was alive with an interest in all things Scottish, and Shakespeare turned to Scottish history for material. He found a spectacle of violence and stories of traitors…

Learn about William Shakespeare

Shakespeare’s life, his theater, and the publication of his plays and poems

Shakespeare opens a window into topics ranging from the American West, to the real history of Elizabethan street fighting, to interviews with Shakespearean stars.  Join us every two weeks for a new “no limits” tour of the connections between Shakespeare, his works, and our world.

Our collection

The Folger Shakespeare Library has the world’s largest collection of materials relating to Shakespeare and his works. This Shakespeare collection encompasses more than 400 years, from the 16th century when he was born, up to the present day. Beyond Shakespeare, the Folger has a world-renowned collection of books, manuscripts, and prints from Renaissance Europe.

Have fun with Shakespeare

Prattle

Prattle

Our word game Prattle is based on the popular Wordle, but with a Shakespearean twist! All words in this game are ones that Shakespeare used in his plays, poems, and sonnets, as they appear in The Folger Shakespeare online.

Play the game