MacBeth

First performed about 1606, this tragedy follows the Scottish nobleman Macbeth after three witches hail him as a future king. Spurred by their prophecy and by Lady Macbeth, he murders King Duncan in his own castle and takes the crown. The rest of the play traces the reign that follows: Banquo is marked for death, Macduff and Malcolm gather opposition in England, and Scotland is described as sick under a usurper who keeps seeking fresh assurances from the witches. Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking marks the collapse of the pair's resolve. The play is a study of ambition and succession, written in concentrated verse rather than as a chronicle history.

Bound in red cloth with black and gilt quill design on cover. Possible variant binding in darker red cloth. Mottled grey slipcase.