The Best Study Guides for Shakespeare's Macbeth

The well-loved 'Cliffs Notes' series has been rockin' and rollin' its way through the mainstays of English literature classes for decades. It offers its usual succinct and amusing take.

Providing great advice over which aspects of Macbeth students should focus on, and explaining the events of the play in a way that's simple, straightforward and, sometimes, funny. 

Available in paperback, kindle or in audio formats, it's also the perfect guide for those busy students, who have to cram while they're on the move.

The Cambridge Student Guide to Macbeth is expensive compared with the Cliffs Notes book, and with good reason. It is a significantly more in-depth look, for those who are perhaps studying the play at a more advanced level, such as college or university.

Alternatively, it's a great read for those who simply want to know more about Shakespeare's Macbeth.

Currently only available in paperback, it's perfect for those who still enjoy the tactile experience of a real-life book.

The What's It All About, Shakespeare? Guide to Macbeth is only available as an ebook and is, subsequently, the cheapest option in this selection.

Its aim is to educate and entertain, ensuring that readers leave with not just an understanding of the play, but also an enthusiasm for it.

A short read, this guide deals concisely with the events of the play, its characters, its main themes and, importantly,  the context in which it was written. 

Spark Notes is a popular website and study guide book series, which is written by Harvard students for students.

Consequently, this book tackles Macbeth in a way that's very student friendly, using language that most high school students will find familiar and easy to understand.

This is the shortest book listed, which will be an appealing factor for many!

However, it's also a simpler look at the play; just dealing with the 'bare bones' of what is necessary to know. For the average high school class, this may be ideal. But it does not encourage the same love of Shakespeare that some of the other guides do.

In terms of the overall benefit to be gained from the guides mentioned, the Folger's DVD edition of Macbeth is head and shoulders above the rest. Why? Because it offers what, in my opinion, is crucial for a better understanding of the play - the ability to watch it.

Including the DVD version of the 2008 Folger production, there are bonus features, such as interviews with the cast and director. 

In addition, this guide offers explanatory notes, and scene-by-scene summaries. Useful for those studying Macbeth at every level, this guide and DVD will ensure that you know the play inside out.