Free Shakespeare Coloring Book Includes 35 Vintage Illustrations of His Plays

William Shakespeare Coloring Book

You're never too old to complete a coloring book. In fact, many psychologists recommend this creative activity to adults as a way to practice mindfulness and relieve stress. If that sounds appealing, then you're in luck. Artists and museums across the globe have released thousands of adult coloring books of various themes, styles, and genres. Plus, many of these resources are available to download for free online. So, literature buffs and fans of William Shakespeare can now celebrate the English playwright's legacy at home when they print out this enchanting coloring book.

Aptly titled the Victorian Illustrated Shakespeare Coloring Book, this resource features a collection of 35 ornate illustrations by artist H.C. Selous from the nineteenth edition of The Plays of William Shakespeare (1864-68). Among the assortment are covers of Shakespeare's most famous works, such as Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Hamlet, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Each one offers hours of coloring fun in its elaborate linework and emotional scenes.

Michael John Goodman, the coloring book's creator, is a post doctoral researcher at the University of Cardiff and the owner of the Victorian Illustrated Shakespeare Archive website. Goodman says, “It's obviously free to use and I hope in these days of homeschooling, parents might find it a simple way to engage their kids with Shakespeare.”

You can find the free coloring book available for download here.

This William Shakespeare coloring book is free to download.

William Shakespeare Coloring Book

It includes 35 original Victorian illustrations of Shakespeare's famous works.

William Shakespeare Coloring Book

Among the collection are covers of Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth.

William Shakespeare Coloring Book

William Shakespeare Coloring Book

William Shakespeare Coloring Book

William Shakespeare Coloring Book

William Shakespeare Coloring Book

Michael John Goodman: Website | Twitter
h/t: [Open Culture]

All images via Victorian Illustrated Shakespeare Coloring Book.

Related Articles:

10 Best Colored Pencil Sets for Coloring Book Enthusiasts and Professional Artists

There’s a Jason Momoa Coloring Book for Adults Who Love an “Epic Dreamboat”

Cultivate Your Own “Secret Garden” as You Enjoy This Relaxing Adult Coloring Book

Margherita Cole

Margherita Cole is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met and illustrator based in Southern California. She holds a BA in Art History with a minor in Studio Art from Wofford College, and an MA in Illustration: Authorial Practice from Falmouth University in the UK. She wrote and illustrated an instructional art book about how to draw cartoons titled 'Cartooning Made Easy: Circle, Triangle, Square' that was published by Walter Foster in 2022.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content