Shakespeare's Sonnets
The 154 sonnets were printed together in 1609, apparently without Shakespeare's involvement, and have been argued over ever since. The first 126 address a young man of beauty and rank, urging him to marry, promising him immortality in verse, forgiving his betrayals and worrying about a rival poet; most of the rest concern a dark-complexioned mistress treated with a mixture of desire and contempt. Whether any of it is autobiographical is unknown. What is certain is the quality of the lines, which include some of the most familiar in English: Shall I compare thee to a summer's day, When in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes, Let me not to the marriage of true minds. The sonnets are available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first poems are free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about Shakespeare's Sonnets
Shakespeare's Sonnets by William Shakespeare can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read Shakespeare's Sonnets online?
Yes. Shakespeare's Sonnets opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is Shakespeare's Sonnets free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of Shakespeare's Sonnets is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is Shakespeare's Sonnets in the public domain?
Yes. Shakespeare's Sonnets by William Shakespeare is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read Shakespeare's Sonnets?
About 1 h 11 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is Shakespeare's Sonnets?
Shakespeare's Sonnets by William Shakespeare is filed under "Poetry" in the Vinteuil library.
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