CliffsComplete Shakespeare's Macbeth: 3rd Edition

I teach HS ELA and I use CliffsComplete books for all our Shakespeare studies. They're not perfect, but they do help a lot more than other editions or versions. This has the original text with side notes for context and definitions. Additionally, all the added information and background is great for all students, but particularly ELLs and students with IEPs. It breaks it down to be able to discuss more in depth in class. I keep these as a resource in the classroom. The Macbeth edition references Shakespeare's sources and a lot of interesting facts. Definitely recommend for parents who want to supplement their child's study or help bridge knowledge gaps for their child.

I am taking a Shakespeare course at my high school and I bought this to help me in my study of Macbeth. I didn't want a book that "translated" Shakespearean verse into modern English, because that actually hurts more than it helps. You may "understand what's going on" if you read something like that, but Shakespeare chose the words he did for a reason: he rhymed, made allusions, used alliteration, metaphors, similes, backspeak, poetic compression, and all the rest, for a reason. And you can't find that complexity when you use the modern English versions. So I really loved the Cliffs Complete version. It has the original (or as close as you can come to it) text on one page, and helpful definitions of outdated words on the adjacent page, as well as interpretations of certain references and allusions. I like that the book starts out by talking about Will's life and times. It helps put things into historical context. Readers need to know that King James VI of Scotland and I of England had just ascended the thrown, and that Shakespeare would be performing this with his fellow actors infront of him. They need to know that attempts to take the King's life using "black magic" were made, and tales of witches and sorcery abounded. It also talks a bit about the play's themes/motifs, and the writing style/language used. At the beginning of each scene is a brief summary, and at the end a very thorough one. Commentary is easy to understand, and helpful for the more complex bits. My only beef is the lack of interpretation of certain lines of verse - most things can't be taken at face value, and have multiple interpretations that need to be unearthed and mulled over. The margins are good for taking notes, and it's not that tan, grainy book paper that doesn't take lead well. There's also note pages. If there's one thing a reader should do, it's make notes. Annotate! I never thought I'd say that...teachers always beat you over the head with it, and I never found it necessary before, but it is with Will. All in all, I love this book. I actually went and bought most of Shakespeare's other plays in the Cliffs Complete version. It couldn't hurt to also buy the Folger's Library version too...the text is a bit different (some word and poetic compression changes) and additional accompanying definitions. Regardless, I've never understood a Shakespearean play so thoroughly, and I enjoyed Macbeth incredibly. I highly recommend this book!!!

Helped me to understand “the jist” of MacBeth, so we could talk about her part, so I could understand her character

This book was very difficult to get in store at Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million it's no longer readily available and even when I had them look up the coding that was given on the back of the book it took him awhile to find it so I'm very thankful Amazon had this for my son's school year

I read Cliffs Complete Macbeth before seeing the Broadway Show and I am very glad I did. The review made the play totally understandable and enjoyable. It is a great story. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to understand William Shakespeare and his writing of Macbeth. It gives a history of Shakespeare and breaks down the play with the original verse on one side and explanations in plain English opposite. It is a great study tool for students and Shakespeare enthusiasts alike.

Ordered as a pre-owned book. Came just in time for my class. The notes and translations it provides make reading MacBeth much easier. Also no noticeable damage or anything from previous owner. Very satisfied with this purchase and well worth a few dollars.

Got this to help my kiddo. I love Shakespeare, but I am rusty.

This version really helps with the understanding of the play.

The book had far too many notes written in the book, unfortunately in pen; so it can’t be erased. Some of this is at strange angles and not in a straight line. At least one knows that the student paid attention in class and made copious notes!

Reasonable space for annotation and some of the commentary can be useful. However, I feel it could be modernised a bit and made more aesthetically pleasing. I also find the character map and suchlike to be a bit basic and could absolutely be more beautifully done.

Excellent.