Romeo and Juliet was first printed in 1597 (Q1) as a quarto that is markedly different than any subsequent early printing: it is shorter, the wedding scene is radically different, and the language widely differs in the last three acts. The play appeared as a quarto in 1599 (Q2) in a text that seems to have had a different source than the one behind Q1; this version of the play was reprinted in 1609 (Q3) and in 1623 (Q4). The play is included in the 1623 First Folio, with a text that differs from Q3 beyond what we would expect typesetters to change. Most modern editions, like the Folger, are based on Q2.
Read Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet for free from the Folger Shakespeare Library! Full text, summaries, illustrations, guides for reading, and more. Concealing their identities behind masks, Romeo and Benvolio go to the ball, where Romeo and Juliet fall in love at first sight, but at the end of the evening discover their identities as members of the opposed families. On his way home from the feast, Romeo climbs into Capulet's orchard to glimpse Juliet again.
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[Romeo and Juliet] An excellent conceited tragedie of Romeo and Iuliet. As it hath been often (with great applause) plaid publiquely, by the right Honourable the L. of Hunsdon his Seruants.
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[Romeo and Juliet] The most excellent and lamentable tragedie, of Romeo and Iuliet. Newly corrected, augmented, and amended: as it hath bene sundry times publiquely acted, by the right Honourable the Lord Chamberlaine his Seruants.
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[Romeo and Juliet] The most excellent and lamentable tragedie, of Romeo and Iuliet. As it hath beene sundrie times publiquely acted, by the Kings Maiesties Seruants at the Globe.
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[Romeo and Juliet] The most excellent and lamentable tragedie, of Romeo and Iuliet. As it hath beene sundrie times publikely acted, by the Kings Maiesties Seruants at the Globe. Written by W. Shake-speare.
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Works. 1623] Mr. William Shakespeares comedies, histories, & tragedies : published according to the true originall copies.
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Mr. VVilliam Shakespeares comedies, histories, and tragedies. : Published according to the true originall copies.
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[Romeo and Juliet] The most excellent and lamentable tragedie of Romeo and Juliet. As it hath been sundry times publikely acted by the Kings Majesties Servants at the Globe. Written by W. Shake-speare.