From Romeo and Juliet and King Lear to less frequently performed works like King John and Henry VIII, every play of the Shakespearean canon is discussed here, along with his major poems and best-loved sonnets. The entry for each play includes an at-a-glance guide to story chronology and a character guide, plus illustrations, timelines, and quotes. Also included, an introduction to Shakespeare's life and times provides context for better appreciating the Bard.