Macbeth: Book Guide, Author and Facts
Macbeth by William Shakespeare — plot, author, genre and where to read, in one evergreen guide.

The play concerns a trusted general who secretly lusts for power. Encouraged by the prophecies of three witches and urged on by his ambitious wife Macbeth commits regicide. Left fearful and superstitious by this desperate act he is driven to a spiralling course of murder and outrage, almost inevitably culminating in his own death. One of Shakespeare’s most popular tragedies, Macbeth is ostensibly based on the Scottish king although the story represented in the play bears no relation to historical fact as the true King Macbeth was well respected by his contemporaries. This book includes the hero Macbeth becoming more and more evil after he gets told his "destiny" by the witches and becomes greedy with power.
Quick facts about Macbeth
- Title: Macbeth
- Author: William Shakespeare
- First published: 1508
- Genre: drama, regicides, kings and rulers
- OpenLibrary ID: OL258902W
Where to read Macbeth
Macbeth by William Shakespeare is widely available in print, ebook and audiobook editions from major retailers and libraries.
Compiled from public OpenLibrary data. Availability and details can change over time.
Frequently asked questions
What is Macbeth about?
The play concerns a trusted general who secretly lusts for power.
Who wrote Macbeth?
Macbeth was written by William Shakespeare.
When was Macbeth published?
Macbeth was first published in 1508.



