What actions are justified when the fate of a nation hangs in the balance, and who can see the best path ahead? Julius Caesar has led Rome successfully in the war against Pompey and returns celebrated and beloved by the people. Yet in the senate fears intensify that his power may become supreme and threaten the welfare of the republic. A plot for his murder is hatched by Caius Cassius who persuades Marcus Brutus to support him. Though Brutus has doubts, he joins Cassius and helps organize a group of conspirators that assassinate Caesar on the Ides of March. But, what is the cost to a nation now erupting into civil war? A fascinating study of political power, the consequences of actions, the meaning of loyalty and the false motives that guide the actions of men, Julius Caesar is action packed theater at its finest.

The setting of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is ancient Rome in the year 44 B.C. and opens with the Feast of Lupercalia, which was held in mid-February. Caesar has become the most powerful man in Rome. As he and his entourage celebrate the Feast, a soothsayer tells him that he should “beware the Ides of March”. The Ides of March fall on March 15th in the old Roman calendar. Caesar brushes off the soothsayer’s warning. Unbeknownst to Caesar, a conspiracy is being hatched. It is lead by Cassius, the brother-in-law of Marcus Brutus. Brutus is a good friend of Caesar’s, who has no reason to distrust him. Cassius is concerned that Caesar is becoming too powerful and that for the good of Rome, he must be murdered. This annotated edition includes a biography and critical essay.

Enter, in procession, with music, CAESAR; ANTONY, for the course; CALPHURNIA, PORTIA, DECIUS, CICERO, BRUTUS, CASSIUS and CASCA; a great crowd following, among them a SOOTHSAYER.CAESAR.Calphurnia.CASCA.Peace, ho! Caesar speaks.[Music ceases.]CAESAR.Calphurnia.CALPHURNIA.Here, my lord.CAESAR.Stand you directly in Antonius' way, When he doth run his course. Antonius.ANTONY.Caesar, my lord?CAESAR.Forget not in your speed, Antonius, To touch Calphurnia; for our elders say, The barren, touched in this holy chase, Shake off their sterile curse.ANTONY.I shall remember.When Caesar says "Do this," it is perform'd.CAESAR.Set on; and leave no ceremony out.[Music.]SOOTHSAYER.Caesar!CAESAR.Ha! Who c

Julius Caesar is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1599. It portrays the conspiracy against the Roman dictator of the same name, his assassination and its aftermath. It is one of several Roman plays that he wrote, based on true events from Roman history, which also include Coriolanus and Antony and Cleopatra. Although the title of the play is Julius Caesar, Caesar is not the central character in its action; he appears in only three scenes, and is killed at the beginning of the third act. The protagonist of the play is Marcus Brutus, and the central psychological drama is his struggle between the conflicting demands of honour, patriotism, and friendship

Plutarch's Life of Caesar deals with the best known Roman of them all, Julius Caesar, and covers virtually all of the major events of the last generation of the Republic. Pelling's volume gives a new translation of the Life, together with an introduction and commentary, while also acknowledging the literary aspects of the narrative.

Among the most enduring poetry of all time, William Shakespeare’s 154 sonnets address such eternal themes as love, beauty, honesty, and the passage of time. Written primarily in four-line stanzas and iambic pentameter, Shakespeare’s sonnets are now recognized as marking the beginning of modern love poetry. The sonnets have been translated into all major written languages and are frequently used at romantic celebrations. Known as “The Bard of Avon,” William Shakespeare is arguably the greatest English-language writer known. Enormously popular during his life, Shakespeare’s works continue to resonate more than three centuries after his death, as has his influence on theatre and literature. Shakespeare’s innovative use of character, language, and experimentation with romance as tragedy served as a foundation for later playwrights and dramatists, and some of his most famous lines of dialogue have become part of everyday speech. HarperPerennial Classics brings great works of literature to life in digital format, upholding the highest standards in ebook production and celebrating reading in all its forms. Look for more titles in the HarperPerennial Classics collection to build your digital library.