Coriolanus

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by William Shakespeare

A gripping historical tragedy, set during the turbulent period just before the establishment of the Roman Republic, William Shakespeare's Coriolanus is edited by G R Hibbard with an introduction by Paul Prescott in Penguin Shakespeare.

A peerless general is offered the consulship of Rome after his triumph over the city of Corioles. Too proud to respect the will of the people, however, he soon finds himself despised by the mob, and speaks out passionately against popular rule. Driven from the city as a traitor, he allies himself with his old enemies and begins to plot a merciless revenge. Adapted into an acclaimed film directed by Ralph Feinnes and starring Gerard Butler and Vanessa Redgrave, Coriolanus is a brilliant adaptation of historical events from Plutarch's Lives, bringing to life all the power and glory of Ancient Rome.

This book includes a general introduction to Shakespeare's life and the Elizabethan theatre, a separate introduction to Coriolanus, a chronology, suggestions for further reading, an essay discussing performance options on both stage and screen, and a commentary.