"This collection of twenty stories begins with 'The Tempest', which explores themes of magic, power and reconciliation, and ends with 'Pericles, Prince of Tyre', an exotic play of love, loss and family ties. Between these two tales are other romances and comedies written by Mary Lamb, and six tragedies written by Charles Lamb. Each tale unfolds chronologically and retains much of Shakespeare's lyricism, phrasing and rhythm. The Lambs' book is a work of Romantic storytelling as well as an original literary homage to the Bard." "In her introduction, Marina Warner discusses the difficult lives of Charles and Mary Lamb, their aims and passion for their work and their relationships with contemporary writers."--BOOK JACKET.