First performed in around 1607, Antony and Cleopatra was printed as part of the First Folio in 1623, titled as The Tragedie of Anthonie, and Cleopatra.

Set in the republic of Rome and the Egypt of the Ptolemies, the play tells of the passion of the Roman general Mark Antony for Cleopatra, Egypt's extraordinary queen and one of Shakespeare's most complex female characters. As politics enters the life they have created together, both are forced to reflect on whether love or duty is more important. The consequences are shattering.

As well as the play itself, this edition contains:

• An extended introduction that looks at the play's history, its structure, and characters
• A glossary of words and terms
• Notes on the text
• A timeline of William Shakespeare's life and work