Shakespeares sonnets have an intensity of both feeling & meaning unmatched in English sonnet form. They divide into two parts; the first 126 sonnets are addressed to a fair youth for whom the poet has an obsessive love & the second chronicles his love for the notorious Dark Lady. In addition to the sonnets this volume
Includes:: Shakespeares two lengthy narrative poems on classical themes The Rape of Lucrece which looks forward to the dark imagery of Macbeth & Venus & Adonis which mixes ribaldry & tragedy in unique Shakespearean manner. The Phoenix & the Turtle is a beautiful metaphysical & allegorical short elegy & takes its place with Shakespeares better-known poetry.