This is way off the mark. The law simply prevents people from publishing further in their own name in order to profit from the work. Anyone can read it or quote it. For practical purposes it may be of benefit for some provision to be made for additional copies to be published for the sake of convenience, and even then, the creator should be entitled to some benefit from those additional copies since the public demands it. Pay your freaking $10.00 for a copy.
OK, so could you please tell me which of Shakespeare's descendents would own the copyright to the Tempest? Lord knows I wouldn't want to deprive someone of their due. I'm sure you'd like to assist in tracking down the descendents of the Brothers Grimm as well. Lots of their work is being used gratis these days.