Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
The Signet Classics edition of William Shakespeare's black comedy.
A complex play thatcombines pathos and humor, The Merchant of Venice also introducesone of Shakespeare's most memorable villains, the Jewish moneylender Shylock, who famously demans a "pound of flesh" for what he is owed.
This revised Signet Classics edition includes unique features such as:
An overview of Shakespeare's life, world, and theater
A special introduction to the play by the editor, Kenneth Myrick
Notes on the sources of The Merchant of Venice
Dramatic criticism from Nicholas Rowe, William Hazlitt, Elmer Edgar Stoll, and others
A comprehensive stage and screen history of notable actors, directors, and productions
Text, notes, and commentaries printed in the clearest, most readable text
And more..."
Table of Contents
Nicholas Rowe:
From The Works of Mr. William Shakespear
William Hazlitt: From Characters of Shakespear?s Plays
Anonymous: ?Henry Irving?s Shylock?
Elmer Edgar Stoll: From Shylock
Linda Bamber: The Avoidance of Choice: A Woman?s Privilege
Alexander Leggatt: The Fourth and Fifth Acts
Sylvan Barnet: ?The Merchant of Venice? on the Stage and Screen
NEWLY ADDED ESSAYS:
Robert Smallwood: The End of "The Merchant of Venice": Four Versions