"A first-rate entrée to the Bard," said Publishers Weekly in praise of Bruce Coville's earlier adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream, while Booklist hailed his "dramatic narrative" in Macbeth. In Romeo and Juliet, which has been a favorite with audiences for four hundred years, Coville again combines his own expertly crafted prose with key lines from the play, so that even young readers can come to know and love Shakespeare.

"O she doth teach the torches to burn bright," says Romeo when first he spies Juliet at the Capulets' ball. Juliet is charmed by the young man, and before long, the two fall in love. But they are from warring families and must marry in secret. Can their love put an end to their families' hatred?

Geared toward young audiences who may be encountering Shakespeare for the first time, this illustrated version is not only accessible but also true to the original work. It creates the perfect bridge to further enjoyment of the play.

Dennis Nolan adds rich, romantic paintings-including a stunning vertical gatefold of the famous balcony scene— which he researched in Verona, Italy, where the story is set.

A classic in its own right, this beautiful volume is the ideal gift for both newcomers to Shakespeare's work and devoted followers.

From the dust jacket