Based upon an Italian tale which was translated by 16th century English poet Arthur Brooke into the narrative poem "The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet", Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" is one of the Bard's most popular and frequently performed plays. Romeo who is a member of the house of Montague falls in love with the beautiful Juliet, a member of the house of Capulet. The Montagues and the Capulets have been engaged in a feud for many years and as such the love between Romeo and Juliet is a forbidden one. Written near the end of the 16th century, "Romeo and Juliet," is one of Shakespeare's earliest dramas, the story of a love that can never be truly realized and the tragedy that ensues. Regarded as one of the greatest and most tragic love stories of all time, "Romeo and Juliet" is an archetypal story of star-crossed young lovers which has inspired countless imitations on both stage and screen. This edition is annotated by Henry N. Hudson, includes an introduction by Charles H. Herford, and a biographical afterword.