Love's Labour's Lost

Four young men swear off women. Four young women arrive the next day. Hilarity—and heartbreak—ensue.

Shakespeare's most linguistically dazzling comedy is a play about the war between the mind and the heart—and the victory of love over every vow.

The King of Navarre and his three companions have taken a solemn oath: for three years, they will study, fast, and see no women. Their reward? Fame, wisdom, and the admiration of the world. But no sooner have they signed the oath than the Princess of France and her three ladies arrive on a diplomatic mission. Each man falls instantly, hopelessly, hilariously in love. They write bad sonnets. They disguise themselves as Russians. They are mocked, exposed, and forced to admit that all their learning has taught them nothing about the one thing that matters.

This is Shakespeare at his most witty and bittersweet: a play about the limits of intellect, the foolishness of youth, and the wisdom of admitting you are wrong. Unlike any other Shakespeare comedy, Love's Labour's Lost ends not with a wedding but with a year of waiting—and a song about winter and spring.

• One of Shakespeare's earliest comedies, written around 1595–1596

• His most linguistically playful play, filled with puns, rhymes, and invented words

• Unique among Shakespeare's comedies for its downbeat ending: the lovers must wait a year and a day before they can marry

Available in multiple formats:

• Paperback & Hardcover: Beautifully designed print editions presenting the complete, unabridged text made to last.

• Ebook: DRM-free EPUB compatible with Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, and all major e-readers.

• Audiobook: Professionally narrated, complete and unabridged, available on all major audiobook platforms.

A beautifully crafted edition for your shelf, your device, or your ears, or the perfect gift for anyone who knows that the best love is the one that makes a fool of you.

About the Author

William Shakespeare (1564–1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, he moved to London and became a shareholder in the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later the King's Men). Love's Labour's Lost is believed to have been written around 1595–1596, during the same period as A Midsummer Night's Dream and Romeo and Juliet. The play is unique in Shakespeare's canon for having no identifiable source; it appears to be entirely original. It is also his most linguistically experimental play, containing more rhymes, puns, and wordplay than any other. For centuries, it was considered one of his lesser comedies, partly because its witty wordplay was difficult to follow. The 20th century saw a revival of interest, culminating in Kenneth Branagh's 2000 film adaptation, which set the play in 1930s Hollywood. Shakespeare's other major works include Hamlet, Twelfth Night, As You Like It, and The Tempest. He died in 1616 at the age of 52 and is buried in Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon.