Four Great Comedies

Four of the Bard's most famous comedies—including The Taming of the Shrew, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Twelfth Night, and The Tempest.

“Comedies,” as one of William Shakespeare's contemporaries wrote, “begin in trouble and end in peace.” This is certainly true of the four masterworks selected for this collection, each of which represents a significant stage in the Bard’s development as a writer. Reading these plays, we sample the whole comic spectrum of the Elizabethan world.

This comedy collection in the Signet Classics Shakespeare series includes:

• An overview of William Shakespeare’s life, world, and theater
• A special introduction by the series’ general editor, Sylvan Barnet
• Reliable texts by noted Shakespeare scholars
• Text, notes, and commentaries printed in the clearest, most readable format
• Recommended readings

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs