Caesar and Cleopatra (Penguin Classics)
Caesar and Cleopatra by George Bernard Shaw, published by Penguin Classics on June 27, 2006, is a 160-page work presented in English. This edition features the definitive text of Shaw’s play, which reimagines historical figures from Shakespeare’s narratives, placing them in a context that predates both Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra. Shaw’s portrayal of Cleopatra as a playful yet cruel character contrasts with his depiction of Caesar as a weary philosopher-soldier, navigating the complexities of both Rome and Egypt.
Readers will find that Caesar and Cleopatra employs wit and irony to satirize historical narratives while reflecting on the political landscape of Shaw’s own era. The play explores themes of power and identity through its unique characterizations, offering a fresh perspective on well-known figures. This edition also includes Shaw’s preface from 1900, providing additional context for the work.
Official synopsis Publisher
Exclusive to Penguin Classics: the definitive text of one of Shakespeare’s most affecting plays—part of the official Bernard Shaw Library
A Penguin Classic
In a cheeky nod to Shakespeare’s towering reputation, Shaw reinvents two of his historical characters but sets his own play in a period predating both Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra. Shaw’s Cleopatra is a kittenish girl with a streak of cruelty, while his Caesar is a world-weary philosopher-soldier who is as much a stranger in Rome as in the barbaric court of Egypt. With wit, irony, and an undertone of melancholy, Caesar and Cleopatra satirizes Shakespeare’s use of history and comments wryly on the politics of Shaw’s own time.
This is the definitive text prepared under the editorial supervision of Dan H. Laurence. The volume includes Shaw’s preface of 1900.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Caesar and Cleopatra (Penguin Classics)” about?
Who is the author of “Caesar and Cleopatra (Penguin Classics)”?
When was “Caesar and Cleopatra (Penguin Classics)” published?
What is the ISBN for “Caesar and Cleopatra (Penguin Classics)”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
