Shakespeare’s Sonnets and Poems by William Shakespeare

Some words never lose their music. Four centuries on, Shakespeare’s sonnets and poems still whisper about love, longing, and the passing of time in a way that feels startlingly close to the heart.

This bestselling, beautifully designed edition comes from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used series for students, scholars, and curious readers alike. It’s the kind of book that rewards a slow read on a rainy afternoon, or a lingering pause on a bench along the Marginal Way.

Inside, you’ll find everything you need to truly settle into the verse:

• Full explanatory notes, conveniently linked to each sonnet and poem
• A brief introduction to every piece, offering insight into its possible meaning
• An index of first lines for easy discovery
• Illustrations drawn from the Folger’s remarkable collection of rare books
• An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar, bringing a modern lens to timeless words

The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s printed works, a magnet for scholars from around the globe. That authority shines through on every page, making this edition as reliable as it is lovely to hold.

Whether you’re revisiting an old favorite or meeting these poems for the very first time, this is a volume worth keeping close. A little pocket of poetry to carry with you, steps from the salt air and the creak of the cove.

Come browse. We’d love to help you find your way into these pages.

Additional information