What Is the Story of Romeo and Juliet?

What Is the Story Of?

by Max Bisantz, Max Bisantz, Who H.Q.

Who HQ brings you the stories behind the most well-known characters of our time.

Discover the origins of one of literature's most famous couples, Romeo and Juliet, and their creator, William Shakespeare, in this fun and informative addition to the What Is the Story Of? series.

In 1597, Shakespeare debuted his newest play, a tragedy about a young Italian couple whose families were sworn enemies. Romeo and Juliet quickly became one of the most famous couples in literary history, and this play became one of Shakespeare's most performed shows. But did you know that much of Romeo and Juliet's story was adapted from tales by other writers? Learn all about how William Shakespeare's dynamic and romantic teenage duo sprouted from the Italian story of The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet in 1562 and grew into adaptions like West Side Story and even Gnomeo & Juliet in this nonfiction book for young readers.

Genres: Nonfiction

112 pages, Hardcover

Published December 26, 2023

Reviews

[Sylvia "Chivy" · Rating 5 out of 5]

"For I ne 'er saw true beauty till this night."

"My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep, the more I give to thee."

"Good night, good night. Parting is such sweet sorrow. That I shall say good night till it be marrow." - William Shakespeare

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew? There's quite a bit to unpack in Bisantz's story covering the history of Romeo and Juliet that includes a history lesson, a biography of William Shakespeare, and coverage of the multiple iterations of Romeo and Juliet that exist including that Shakespeare's version is the best known, but that the concept had already started to be written-- The Tragicall Historye of Romeus and Iuliet and the Italian poet's Mariotto and Gianozza. It went on to have iterations after Shakespeare's troupe performed it that include the famous West Side Story but the longevity belongs to Shakespeare in creating it.

My heart will always belong to Baz Luhrmann's 1996 film because Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio with my hat tipped to Shakespeare's original words and con

[Shelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

The What is…? non-fiction series is perfect for elementary or intermediate age students interested in learning about the featured person/topic and to help prepare them for the more challenging reading to come. While I typically LOVE this series to add information and interest for young readers, the author made the mistake of giving too much additional facts about the plays inspired by Romeo and Juliet; making the latter half of this short read more about West Side Story. So unfortunate, since the beginning started off beautifully covering the times of Shakespeare, his life and the importance of iambic pentameter for showing the differences in social class and aiding in character development.

[Susan's Sweat Smells Like Literature · Rating 3 out of 5]

How could they write a book about the entire history of the story of Romeo and Juliet and never even mention the 1968 Zefferelli movie? A gross oversight. Also, in West Side Story, Bernardo was Maria's brother, not her cousin.

[Angela Verry · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the beginning, this book didn’t feel like it was about Romeo and Juliet at all—it felt more like a glimpse into Shakespeare himself and life in the theater 🎭. By the end, though, it surprised me by actually teaching me the story in a way I didn’t expect 📖✨

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea that Shakespeare essentially copied this story off of someone from years earlier. I love learning new things from this series!

[StephenPaul ChaseJr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fucking sweet reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many irrelevant tangents that have nothing to do with the story of Romeo and Juiliet. They should have been covered in the biography of William Shakespeare.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kind of forgot that West Side Story is based on Romeo and Juliet... Shout out Rita Moreno!!

[China · Rating 5 out of 5]

The famous star crossed lovers