The Complete Works of Shakespeare – Illustrated by Rockwell Kent (1936)
This celebrated edition presents William Shakespeare’s timeless plays and sonnets alongside the striking woodcut illustrations of Rockwell Kent, one of America’s most renowned graphic artists of the early 20th century. Known for his bold, expressive linework and stark contrasts, Kent’s illustrations capture the dramatic intensity and emotional depth of Shakespeare’s works—from the tragic turmoil of Hamlet to the whimsical romance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
This volume is a masterpiece of book design, blending Kent’s modernist aesthetic with the Elizabethan richness of Shakespeare’s language. The woodcuts, with their angular forms and dramatic shadows, reflect Kent’s background in printmaking and his ability to distill complex narratives into powerful visual symbolism.
A collector’s treasure, this edition is as much an art object as a literary one, showcasing Kent’s ability to bridge classical themes with 20th-century artistic innovation.
