When a shipwreck separates Viola from her twin brother, she is washed ashore in an unfamiliar country. There, disguised as a young man, she falls in love with Duke Orsino. But Lady Olivia, whom the Duke loves, falls in love with the disguised Viola. The romantic mix-ups become even more comical when Viola’s twin brother appears. This Core Classics volume presents a shortened version of Shakespeare’s final and greatest comedy, with background information and helpful notes.

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.