Cymbeline

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Cymbeline unfolds the tale of a British king and his three children, resembling a fairy tale. The secret marriage of Cymbeline's daughter, Imogen, ignites much of the drama, featuring themes of slander, jealousy, disguise, a deathlike trance, and a vision of Jupiter. Kidnapped as infants, Cymbeline's two sons grow up in a Welsh cave. As young men, they rescue a starving stranger (Imogen in disguise), confront Cymbeline's stepson, and display remarkable bravery against the Roman army. Meanwhile, the king faces a Roman invasion rather than pay tribute, embodying the archetype of a father who loses and ultimately finds his children, and a king who conquers an army and grants forgiveness. The play is rich in powerful emotions and resonates with a mythic quality, akin to Shakespeare's later works like The Winter's Tale and The Tempest. This edition offers a freshly edited text based on the best early printed version, full explanatory notes alongside the text, scene-by-scene plot summaries, a guide to the play's notable lines, an introduction to Shakespeare's language, and an essay by a leading scholar for contemporary insights. Additionally, it features images from the Folger Shakespeare Library's rare book collection and an annotated guide for further reading, enhancing the reader's experience.