Shakespeare's Sonnets are among the most lyrical and moving pieces of poetry in
any language, abounding with examples of his genius for wordplay, rhythm and met
aphor and dealing with the eternal themes of love, memory, beauty and the ravish
es of time. First published in 1609, after Shakespeare had written many of his m
ost famous works, the Sonnets have been the subject of literary curiosity ever s
ince, mainly concerning the identity of the two addressees, 'Mr W.H.' and the 'D
ark Lady', and the light they could shine on Shakespeare's life.This collection
constitutes one of English literature's most profound poetic meditations on life
and love, and is a vital complement to the plays, offering clues to Shakespeare
's own biography.
