The most poetic and magical of Shakespeare’s comedies, this play contrasts lyrical fantasy surrounding the spirit Ariel and the savage Caliban, with a tale of political intrigue focused around Prospero, the banished Duke of Milan, now a wizard living on a remote island. Illustrated throughout by Sir John Gilbert (1817–1897), famous for his depictions of historical scenes. As well as Shakespeare, he illustrated works of Sir Walter Scott, Cervantes, Wilkie Collins and Wordsworth.