Romeo and Juliet 

By William Shakespeare

Probably written between 1591 and 1596

Both film versions of West Side Story (1961 and 1921) are very good in so many ways. But watching them, I was constantly reminded of the dramatic scenes and beautiful speeches of the Shakespearean tragedy on which they were based.

So, I found my collection of Shakespeare’s plays and read Romeo and Juliet again. And it happened again. Two thoughts: “Shakespeare really was the greatest ever writer in the English language.” And, “Why do I read anything else but Shakespeare?”

Romeo and Juliet is not Shakespeare’s best tragedy. But it may be his most popular. It is certainly the most imitated/emulated/revised/modernized, etc.

If you have never read a play by Shakespeare, do yourself a favor. Read Romeo and Juliet now. Click here.

And there are many versions of the Romeo and Juliet story that you might enjoy.

Click here for a list of film adaptations.

And click here for a list of tales about similarly star-crossed lovers.