Timon of Athens

He gave away everything. When he had nothing left, he gave away the truth.

Shakespeare's darkest and most misanthropic play is a savage fable about money, friendship, and the moment a generous man realizes that no one actually loves him.

Timon is a wealthy Athenian nobleman who gives and gives and gives. He showers his "friends" with gold, jewels, and banquets. He pays off their debts. He asks nothing in return. But when his own debts come due, he sends his servants to ask for help—and finds that every single friend has vanished. The fair-weather flatterers who called him brother will not even see him. Timon's generosity curdles into rage. He flees Athens, lives in a cave, and curses humanity: men are dogs, liars, parasites. He digs for roots and finds gold instead. He gives it away one last time—to whores, to soldiers, to anyone who will help him destroy Athens. And then he dies alone, leaving behind only an epitaph of pure disgust.

This is Shakespeare at his most bitter and collaborative (the play was written with Thomas Middleton): a play about the corruption of wealth, the shallowness of gratitude, and the terrible loneliness of the man who loved too easily.

• One of Shakespeare's least-performed and most difficult plays, written around 1605–1608

• Co-authored with Thomas Middleton, the only Shakespeare play set in ancient Greece

• Explores themes of wealth, friendship, misanthropy, and the betrayal of trust

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 man who gives everything often ends with nothing.

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). Timon of Athens was written around 1605–1608, likely in collaboration with Thomas Middleton. The play was not published until the First Folio of 1623 and has never been one of Shakespeare's most popular works. Its bleak misanthropy and unfinished quality (it contains awkward transitions and loose ends) have led scholars to speculate that Shakespeare abandoned it. The play has found new relevance in modern times, particularly after the 2008 financial crisis, as a critique of wealth, debt, and fair-weather friendship. Shakespeare's other major works include Hamlet, King Lear, Macbeth, Othello, and The Tempest. He died in 1616 at the age of 52 and is buried in Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon.