Shakespeare transforms the history of the brilliant and ambitious Roman leader Julius Caesar into a powerful drama that examines the mixed motivations of the men who plotted to kill Caesar, and the unintended consequences of their violent actions. This Core Classics® volume presents a shortened version of Shakespeare’s play, first as a short story, and then as the script for a play, perfect for readers’ theater or classroom performance, in a specially adapted, condensed version using Shakespeare’s original language. The book also provides historical background on the life of Julius Caesar, as well as information on William Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre.

The Core Classics® series presents stories loved for generations in abridged versions for young readers, illustrated and annotated, and faithful to the style, plot, and themes of the originals. This volume includes a brief biography of the author and an introduction by E. D. Hirsch, Jr.

In the upper elementary grades, Core Classics are suitable for strong readers or reading aloud; in middle school and up, the texts are appropriate for independent reading.