The Merchant of Venice (Penguin classics) - Softcover

Shakespeare, William

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0141396547 ISBN 13: 9780141396545

Publisher: Penguin Classics, 2015

Synopsis

'The man who of all modern, and perhaps ancient poets, had the largest and most comprehensive soul' John Dryden

Antonio, a Venetian merchant, wishes to help his friend get money to impress a rich heiress. But he is forced to borrow the sum from a cynical, abused Jewish moneylender, Shylock, and signs a chilling contract to honour the debt with a pound of his own flesh. An ambiguous, complex and controversial comedy, The Merchant of Venice explores prejudice, marriage, money and the true nature of justice in an unforgiving world.

Used and Recommended by the National Theatre

General Editor Stanley Wells
Edited by W. Moelwyn Merchant
Introduction by Peter Holland

About this title

About the Author:

William Shakespeare was born some time in late April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon and died in 1616. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist.

Stanley Wells is Emeritus Professor of the University of Birmingham and Honorary President of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

Peter Holland is McMeel Family Professor in Shakespeare Studies in the Department of Film, Television and Theatre at the University of Notre Dame.

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0141396547
• ISBN 13: 9780141396545
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 240