The Klingon Hamlet

By The Klingon Language Institute and William Shakespeare

Book Overview

This hilarious Shakespearean parody of Hamlet for Star Trek fans provides a Klingon and English translation of The Tragedy of Khamlet.

For too long, readers throughout the Federation have been exposed to The Tragedy of Khamlet, Son of the Emperor of Qo'nos--a seminal Klingon classic--only through inadequate and misleading English translations. Now at last, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Klingon Language Institute, this powerful drama by the legendary Klingon playwright, Wil'yam Shex'pir can be appreciated in the elegance and glory of its original tongue.

This invaluable bilingual Klingon and English edition contains the complete text of the play, along with an English translation for easy consultation and comparison. In addition, an incisive introduction explains the play's crucial importance in Klingon culture and literature, while copious notes illustrate how the debased English version diverges from the original, often distorting and even reversing the actual meaning of the verses.

A must-have for Star Trek, Shakespeare, and parody fans, this is a work that belongs in the library of every human who hopes truly to understand what it means to be Klingon.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671035789
• ISBN13: 9780671035785
• Release Date: February 2000
• Publisher: Gallery Books
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

leghmeH jenDaq yIlan Which means: “Place it on a high place to be seen.”

Hamlet is Hamlet. If you're purchasing the revised edition, it's for the additional information. This truly is "The Tragical History of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark," and not just about the prince, but also his family and friends. The tragedy begins in the previous generation. Will it end with Hamlet? Many people enjoy dissecting underlying themes and reading more into the characters' actions than was probably intended. Many phrases from Hamlet now challenge the Bible for those popular quotes that no one remembers where they originated. The real joy is in simply reading the story, and as you discover it isn’t as strange as you might have thought, you'll see many characters like these around you today. Here’s a summary: Old Hamlet defeated Old Fortinbras, taking Fortinbras' land. Now that Old Hamlet is dead, Young Fortinbras wants his land back and is willing to take it by force. Meanwhile, back in Denmark, Prince Hamlet, who is grieving excessively over his father’s death, receives an intriguing message from his father's ghost. It appears Old Hamlet was a victim of "murder most foul." Additionally, Hamlet’s Uncle and Mother even marry before the funeral meats are cold. The story revolves around Hamlet's indecision regarding how to act about his father's murder. However, he surprises many with his determination and insight. You’ll find many great film adaptations and imitations of the story; it is an engaging read, but it was truly meant to be watched. watched.