The Winter's Tale (Annotated by Henry N. Hudson with an Introduction by Charles Harold Herford)

Originally published in the First Folio of 1623 William Shakespeares The Winters Tale is a play which has been classified by some critics as a comedy and by others as a romance. The confusion arises out of the fact that the first three acts are filled with intense psychological drama while the last two acts provide a comedic and happy ending. At the outset of the play we are introduced to two childhood friends Leontes King of Sicilia and Polixenes the King of Bohemia who has travelled to Sicilia to visit his old friend. After several months of joyful reunion Polixenes yearns to return home to attend to his affairs and see his son. Leontes however doesnt wish to see his friend go and implores his wife Queen Hermione to try and convince him to stay. Hermione easily convinces Polixenes which should make Leontes happy but instead arises suspicion that the two may be engaged in an affair considering how quickly Hermione is able to change Polixenes mind. The jealousy of Leontes sets in motion a series of events which threaten to ruin his entire kingdom and legacy. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper includes a preface and annotations by Henry N. Hudson and an introduction by Charles Harold Herford.