The Necessary Shakespeare

The Necessary Shakespeare, 5th Edition, is an anthology edited by David Bevington and published by Pearson. Presented in a single compact paperback, the volume brings together twenty widely read and produced plays alongside a selection of sonnets.

The collection organizes the dramatic works into comedies, histories, and tragedies. It traces Shakespeare's creative progression from early dramas such as The Taming of the Shrew and Richard the Third to late drama such as The Tempest, with play choices informed in part by user feedback and film availability.

The volume was designed for use alongside MyLiteratureLab, an online platform providing audio, video, and assessment tools intended to support classroom discussions of literary elements.