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Cover of Macbeth

Plays and drama · Classics

Macbeth

by William Shakespeare

3.9 out of 5, from 1,234 ratings from Hardcover readers

After three witches predict he will be king, the Scottish general Macbeth murders the reigning king with the urging of his wife. His crimes and growing paranoia lead him into more killing and toward ruin.

Facts last checked 2026-10-17

First published
1590
Pace
Fast
Length
Short
Pages
176
Format
Standalone
Borrow free with Libby Compare prices Save to my shelf

Read this if you want a short, intense tragedy about ambition and guilt.

Skip this if you find Shakespearean verse hard going or dislike bleak plays.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Violence
  • Death
  • Child death
  • Gore

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Antisemitism
  • Animal death
  • Grief
  • Schizophrenia/Psychosis
  • Blood
  • Cursing
  • Cannibalism

Quick answers about Macbeth

What is Macbeth about?
After three witches predict he will be king, the Scottish general Macbeth murders the reigning king with the urging of his wife. His crimes and growing paranoia lead him into more killing and toward ruin.
Who should read Macbeth?
Read it if you want a short, intense tragedy about ambition and guilt. Skip it if you find Shakespearean verse hard going or dislike bleak plays.
How long and how fast is Macbeth?
It is a fast-paced, short read of about 176 pages, first published in 1590.
Does Macbeth have content warnings?
Content we flag: Violence, Death, Child death, Gore.
Can I borrow Macbeth for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Macbeth; the borrow button above searches it for you.

Where to get it

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