National Library Treasures

Hamlet

William ShakespeareThe British Library
Hamlet
National Library Treasures

Hamlet

Written between 1599 and 1601, Hamlet is Shakespeare's longest play and one of the most powerful and influential tragedies in world literature.

Written between 1599 and 1601, Hamlet is Shakespeare's longest play and one of the most powerful and influential tragedies in world literature.

The play tells the story of Prince Hamlet's quest to avenge his father's murder. First performed around 1600, it has been continuously performed and studied for over 400 years, with countless interpretations and adaptations.

Wuthering Heights and Agnes Grey 1850 edition
C.71.bb.4
Wuthering Heights; and Agnes Grey
by Ellis and Acton Bell
Author: Emily Brontë, Anne Brontë, and Charlotte Brontë
1850
Image: From the British Library collection

The Commercial Opportunity

Storytelling Potential:

  • Hamlet revolutionized drama with its complex protagonist, philosophical depth, and psychological realism. Its exploration of mortality, madness, and moral corruption continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Immersive Concepts:

  • Written circa 1599-1601
  • Shakespeare's longest play with over 4,000 lines
  • Features the famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy
  • Set in the Kingdom of Denmark
  • One of the most performed and studied plays in history