"Romeo and Juliet," by William Shakespeare. Abrams. 32 pages. $18.95. I'm not exactly sure who the target audience might be, but Abrams has published a very attractive retelling of Romeo and Juliet ($18.95), with some stunning illustrations by Margaret Early, done in the manner of the Book of Hours, complete with gorgeous decorative borders.

People who are serious about the story probably want Shakespeare, while a young person enraptured by the Leonardo DiCaprio version won't really appreciate the quality of the art. At any rate, Abrams is to be congratulated for commissioning Early, whose work makes this a book to treasure.

Pub Date: 8/09/98