Name: Shakespeare
Rating: 4.78705 (2733 reviews)

User Reviews for Shakespeare

4.79 out of 5

2.7K Ratings

2 years ago, Minimus inter alios

Bravo

This free app represents an amazing act of generosity towards all people who love Shakespeare and would like to get to know him better. Setting aside the complete texts of the plays and poems, with easy and straightforward navigation, there's heaps of information on historical aspects, a biography, portrait gallery, there's synopses, information on and analyses of characters, and much else. For anybody to put all this much together, present it in the format of a mobile app, and to offer it for free, just to make the world a better place--that is a labor of love. And a win. A big thank you. Thoroughly recommended!

6 years ago, Epoi

Orly...

Huh... I've been told by devs that the free version (which I've had for about a decade) never had line numbers. I don't think that's accurate... but let's give them the benefit of the doubt... Because line numbers don't exactly make or break the app. So I'm emending my rating to 5 stars. Would be really annoying to discover it did, at some point, have line numbers (which I seem to remember)... I will check some of my ancient iphone backups, and rate accordingly. In the meantime... Please (re-)institute line numbers. It's a basic feature of the format, it's not a 'bonus' in any fair sense of the word. Thanks.

1 year ago, ertebolle

Wonderful + Responsive

The app itself is outstanding - clearly a labor of love, with a generous free version and a one-time-purchase business model for the pro version (in defiance of the annoying trend towards subscription everything). Also, I had an issue with scrolling not working correctly and within a week of reporting it they fixed the bug + released an update with the fix; I’ve never seen such outstanding responsive support from a developer before.

12 months ago, Benomtad

Versatile study of Shakespeare

So many ways to read the text and with so much supplementary information. I have had this app for almost a decade and it has been added to and improved many times. I’m writing this review not because I really have anything of value to say but because I want to support this gem and bargain. I’m also a teacher and am excited about the children’s curricula. Thank you, developers, for helping keep Shakespeare alive in the world!

5 years ago, greentea^~^

I can’t read anything :(

I’ve had this app for years now and use it as a reference all the time. As of late it’s been crashing. Every time I try to utilize it in some way, a few seconds pass and it boots me out. I love the app— I advertise it to anyone who loves Willy Shakes because of the quotes and it’s convenience, but now it’s practically useless. I don’t really know how to rate this, because the app itself deserves a 5 star, but the functionality is awful right now, so please fix or at least look into it!

7 years ago, Roxxz3

Very useful

This is perfect for my current project and has Been very helpful. Search function is key and though it needs a tweak as Othello seems to be off a bit, and the poems etc don't get excluded when you narrow a search, it is still remarkably useful. Now they need to add some more of the apocryphal texts--Arden of Faversham was recently included as in part by WS by Oxford I think, and there are several still under suspicion of him helping on. But this couldn't have come at a better time for me.

7 years ago, dame wang

I detest nag screens

I really, really hate vendors that throw up nag screens asking for ratings. It's bad enough in their own apps, but unconscionable to use the notification system for nagging. Apple clearly didn't design it for that purpose. So here's my rating: one star. You asked for it, you got it. UPDATE: I'm not sure why the developer has only now responded to a three-year old review, but in fairness, the nag screens have long since been removed, so I'm increasing the rating based on the app (decent) and content (excellent).

5 years ago, CelebratePoe

Extremely disappointing

So far I could say this is one of the worst application purchases I have ever made. I did a search on Soliloquy’s in Hamlet and came up with nothing. Changed into first folio and now no matter what I do start the program over etc. it is stuck on the old spelling. Text meaning does not work. So far the app does not do a single thing it says it does. Totally worthless. By the way I’m having these problems with the pro version.

5 months ago, papaarya

So far so good, with one suggestion!

The app is great. Pretty easy to navigate and UI is smooth. I just have one suggestion for the dear developers; If it was possible to include the modern translations in the Pro version it would be awesome. I understand the need for add-ons but it feels like the Pro tier could use some more features. good job lads.

3 years ago, T. Rick

Fantastic

This is a fantastic app for anyone who is interested in Shakespeare. As a professional Stage Manager, I find it extremely useful when there are questions about interpretation. I’ve got it on my iPad and just downloaded it on my phone. Question: do I have to repurchase all the extras on the phone? I tried restoring the purchases made on the iPad and it won’t do it.

3 years ago, Elsabisa

Love it, but would love more if characters had full names

I love getting the daily Shakespeare quote every morning. However, I would like it even better if all the characters were called by their full names. It’s disconcerting to read a conversation between “Cleo” and “Paul” when it’s really someone and Paulina.

3 years ago, pzskiba

Changed Shakespeare forever

If you have any interest in the Bard than this is THE APP Ive relied them all and this app shines where others choke. When I had an issue with Annie update they were right on it directly with me. I’ve never seen that before. I hope they can keep the hits coming!

3 years ago, TravisAscione

Invaluable

This app has saved me a number of times needing something or other in the rehearsal room. I prefer my folio and my complete works for hardcore study and prep but This app is well worth the money for the convenience of having all the plays, and the lexicon, AND the “translations” in your pocket.

7 years ago, Nuz91

Great content, for free!

I use the free version.... it's a fun resource for a treasury of one of the greatest literary geniuses of all time! Love the daily quote at midnight - I can click it for the whole context and it gets me reading Shakespeare! I am considering upgrading to the Pro version for the notes/ context; Shakespeare's language is so rich, you really need an interpreter sometimes.

6 years ago, ThePithus

Great actor’s resource

I’m a professional actor and I love using this app. It is easy to navigate and includes all of the earliest folio editions of each play etc which helps with interpretation. The glossary is only occasionally helpful, but the labeling of each line as prose or verse is extremely valuable. An overall great resource for any Shakespeare lover.

3 years ago, alarob

Unreliable

A Shakespeare app is a good idea, in theory, for readers who already know the plays and need to look something up. It's not a good idea for first-time readers. In practice, this particular app is not a good idea for anyone. It was made by people who don't understand Shakespeare's language: You can tell because they introduced countless errors into the texts and "corrected" the spelling of words that were unfamiliar to them. This convinces me not to buy any of the book apps made by this company. They don't know what they're doing.

4 years ago, leukothriks

Complaint

I bought this for the glossary to make it easy to search out of date words. The glossary fails utterly, or else I can’t figure out how to use it. In short I regret I bought it and, for me at least, it is worthless.

4 years ago, PXM1968

All the words, words, words in one place

I like this app a lot. The search feature is great. I like having the text of all the plays in one app. Also, the support team is very responsive to inquiries.

5 years ago, Actress100

A Shakespeare Quote/ A Day Keeps the ......

I start my day with a few words from the bard. I am impressed at how current and appropriate to the days political scene they are. Reminds me that centuries before, people were dealing with many of the same issues..... will we never learn?

2 years ago, quiet hermit

Helpful, but sloppy

Full of typos and errors — none catastrophic, but still…. Will be helpful to some, just annoying to others. I can’t imagine why they put so much fine work into creating this app, but have not bothered to go back and correct all the mistakes.

5 years ago, juliet10107

Can’t read plays

I have the free version and an iPhone XS Max and I cannot read any play - when I click one all I see is a white screen that does not load the text. I restarted my phone and reopened the app and one specific play loaded and was readable after restarting but the other plays were not - I still see a white screen and no text! After closing the app and reopening again the play that I was able to read was no longer readable either!

6 years ago, farrerrob

Wonderful Will

I love having the complete works on my phone. I have very few apps and I don’t like gazing into my phone for extended periods of time but Shakespeare is the exception. Thank you so much. Will’s words are a balm to my soul and I can carry them all in my pocket!

7 years ago, road2u

O for a muse...

And in this app, I found it. The Shakespeare by itself is a treaure. But when able to compare the text against the first folio on the same screen!! I am playing King Lear and this app has proven already its worth for helping unravel this poor mad King

2 years ago, MisterZee1

To Have Shakespeare in My Pocket…

…is one of my top ten reasons for owning my iPhone. This app appears to have all the works I need to read or refer to. And crafted in a logical, intuitive way. I’m grateful to the creators of the app.

9 months ago, grannyapples1920

Great app! Just one thing

This app is wonderful, and I find myself using it almost daily. The one gripe I have with it is the name. What is a “Shakespeare?” It sounds vaguely vulgar, and I want it to stop. Thank you kindly.

6 years ago, mix1969

Brilliant classroom tool

Works great in our theater class so students aren’t carrying books or papers around while reading. They’re already used to holding a smartphone or tablet easily anyway;) Thank you!

5 years ago, apodo bardo

Doesn’t live up to potential

This is a very buggy app- for example, the quote of the day would be great if it worked, but half the time the widget where it is supposed to be displayed (outside the app itself) the just says there’s an error. And it would be nice if the quotes of the day were tailored to the actual day - as it is, you get really dark quotes on holidays etc.

5 years ago, ButterscotchBebe

Great resource

I’ve used this on and off for years. It’s accurate, comprehensive, easy to use and gets functionally updated now and then. This is what all apps should aspire to be!

4 months ago, From bit to bit

Memories revisited

I am old and read S. Not recently, but when I recall the line, or part o a line, I turn to the app to locate and fill in memories. What a superb way to recall memories.

3 years ago, NightBeau

Disappointed with the pro feature

I purchased the pro feature and I thought I was getting everything. The pro version doesn’t even come with the modern translations and lexicons so I have to make further purchase. This is very misleading and disappointing. Don’t waste your money just stick to the free version and use spark notes!

6 years ago, kittykittyboomboom

Amazing and well worth it

By far the best Shakespeare app out there. Top quality editions, great glossary, and the First Folio included. I can also use it to take notes for school. Get it now!

6 years ago, Gluegirl86

I’d like some quizzes please

I was named for a Shakespeare character so naturally I really like his plays. I like this app, but I thought there’d be quizzes in it! I was extremely disappointed at my discovering the opposite. Please, I’m begging you! Update, add the quizzes! And good ones, that, with every time you try the questions change.

7 years ago, Hays.Donald

Needs more features

I still end up not using the app because it's not suitable to the way I learn or mark up text.

4 years ago, Baba Tulpa

7 months since the last update?

I will give it 4 stars if we get an update. The option for icon change should appear after the in-app pro purchase. Also, the app shall run smoothly after the ios 14 release.

3 years ago, fhdjdowjf

Gud stuff

I think this Shakespeare is onto something. He really might make a gud writer one day if he hangs in there and keeps his head up.

5 months ago, Profml

Shakespeare Pro A great collection

It is wonderful that I can see all of the plays at one location. However, I couldn’t find his sonnets. Did I miss them?

7 years ago, PDC Larry

Would have been 5 stars except...

I upgraded to the Pro version; this is a fabulous app. I use it constantly for research, crossword puzzle answers, and just fun.

7 months ago, bkgondor

A MUST FOR PROFESSIONALS

Best online resource by far. A MUST for actors. Shakespeare in your pocket on your iPhone or iPad! Modern, Folios, Quartos, glossary, EVERYTHING you could want or ask for! And the "extras" are worth every penny!

7 years ago, ....djqmdhrp...:'aka,smwldnw

Great

Great to have all the plays at your fingertips. Great search function. It won't replace the book, but it's great app for flexibility and travel.

1 year ago, Falstaff Junior

English Major in College

I love it! The app is everything it’s cracked up to be. Cannot emphasize this enough — truly.

7 years ago, Sboat

Great app

Update: the widget works great now. This is really a great app and I highly recommend it. OLD: I like the app but the widget doesn't work very often.

2 years ago, Rebeen Rafat

make it free for 1 week

It is important to make it free for limited .some people didn't know it yet.

6 years ago, chuckyshit

Impossibly anti-intuitive

The bookmarkings the thing, and the developers want to make certain that you never forget how “IPhonishly” counterintuitive the very large array of control settings are! It would be hopelessly absurd to have hoped for a simple checkmark system, or even an old cut and paste maneuver would be. Instead one has a variety of abstruse, imponderable settings without any guide or directives as to how to mark permanently or save passages. The App asks you incessantly to “Enable Quotes”. I can testify to the fact that 1,533 OK’s aten’t enough! In short, unless you enjoy Byzantine maze like skills with IPhone chicanery, SKIP THIS!

5 years ago, jaiholover

Read all of the bard

In 2018, I set out to read all of Shakespeare. I could not have dome it without the convenience of this app. It’s great!

6 years ago, mutantmule

Shakespeare

In this “ Winter Of Our Discontent”, how cozy to cuddle up with a man whose observations and descriptions of the foibles of power console us with eternal verities while we wait for the boar to make his way to Bosworth Field.

6 years ago, iwoolman too

makes me happy

this app makes me happy. everything is here. everything. in such a well-organized way that finding what you want is a cinch. plus — and i wasn’t expecting this — the random shakespearean insult generation feature is perfect for any workplace. oh, and i’ve listened to the read on sonnet 116 enough to have memorized it. have fun.

6 years ago, GrumbleDick

It has all of them

And isn’t that what you want in an app for plays?

5 years ago, OkieOkie

Worth the money

Any Shakespeare enthusiast should buy this. I use it all the time.

6 years ago, directorich

Best Shakespeare App

I use this App everyday. It’s easy to use and incredibly helpful.

2 years ago, Scott P T-Ride

Constantly bugging me to upgrade and leave reviews

If you don’t buy the paid version prepare to be harassed

Description

“It’s really great!” —Kenneth Branagh, actor and director “‘The app’s the thing.’ Hamlet was almost right. Great to see Shakespeare Pro superplaying with Shakespeare’s plays.” —David Crystal, linguist and author of Shakespeare's Words “The Shakespeare Pro app is simply terrific and filled with loads of wonderful information!” —Ken Ludwig, Tony and Olivier Award Winning Playwright Shakespeare Pro® includes the complete works of Shakespeare (41 plays, 154 sonnets and 6 poems, including apocrypha) and search the concordance to find the exact word or phrase you’re looking for (with “relaxed” searching to find words close to your search term). Shakespeare Pro is packed with these impressive features: ••• QUALITY TEXTS are a top priority and our team spent years compiling and editing the best references available. In the updated editions, the text is even more clear and each individual character is uniquely identified. ••• FIRST FOLIOS AND QUARTOS in original spelling show the works as they were originally published in Shakespeare’s time. ••• AN INTEGRATED GLOSSARY, based on the bestselling lexicon by David & Ben Crystal, Shakespeare’s Words™ is included. Simply tapping on a word will display its definition in context (not just a general definition). ••• ADD YOUR OWN NOTES AND SHARE THEM with your students, classmates, friends, and colleagues. Organize your notes into notebooks for use in the classroom, theatre, or just to remember key facts. Then share them via email or AirDrop. ••• POWER SEARCH THE WORKS by customizing multiple parameters like gender, genre, work, language, line form, soliloquies, and more. ••• CUSTOMIZE YOUR READING EXPERIENCE by choosing from a variety of color themes, change the font family and size, display long or short character names, jump around to different scenes, and view line numbers (*read the note below about line numbering). ••• BOOKMARK YOUR FAVORITE PARTS in addition to remembering the last page you viewed. Even copy/paste that great line. ••• DETAILED SCENE BREAKDOWNS give you an overview of the scenes within each play, their locations, and the characters present in each. ••• CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS help you better understand the actions and motivations of every character—all 1,155 of them. ••• MODERN TRANSLATIONS and lexicons to help you better understand Elizabethan English (extra add-ons). ••• GET THE FACTS by reading up on Shakespeare’s life, view data and chronology about his works, and an overview of scansion terminology or rhetoric. Character Arc Visualizers show individual character arcs or allow for comparison of multiple characters. ••• SHAKE YOUR DEVICE for Shakespeare himself to display a random memorable quote or insult. Or get a new random quote every day. ••• BROWSE THE GALLERY of famous Shakespeare portraits. ••• TEACHER CURRICULUM makes it easy for teachers to introduce students to Shakespeare's works. ••• COMPLETE APOCRYPHA is the most comprehensive breakdown of 14 plays Shakespeare may have had a hand in. ••• BARDFIND™ is the easiest way to find a Shakespeare theatre or venue anywhere in the world. These are just a few highlights of the great things in Shakespeare Pro. If you’re a student, professor, actor, or just plain love the Bard, this must-have app ensures you have the complete works at your fingertips. Like the new features? Having trouble and need support? Let us know at [email protected] or at http://support.playshakespeare.com.