Contained along with the complete text of Shakespeare's classic tragedy about the "two star-crossed lovers" from Verona is full explanatory notes, scene-by-scene plot summaries, a key to famous lines and phrases, and illustrations from the Folger Shakespeare Library's vast holdings of rare books.

At head of title: Folger Shakespeare Library. Originally published: Washington Square Press, 1992.

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet -- Reading Shakespeare's language -- Shakespeare's life -- Shakespeare's theater -- Publication of Shakespeare's plays -- Introduction to this text -- Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet : text of the play with commentary -- Longer notes -- textual notes -- Romeo and Juliet : a modern perspective / Gail Kern Paster -- Further reading -- Key to famous lines and phrases.