Synopses & Reviews
J. W. Lever was a professor at Durham University in the UK. He edited editions of
As You Like It and
A MidsummerNight's Dream for the New Swan Shakespeare Series, and wrote many articles that appeared in
Shakespeare Survey, including "Shakespeare and the Ideas of his Time" and "Twentieth-century Studies in Shakespeares Songs, Sonnets, and Poems." He also edited
Every Man in his Humour by Ben Jonson for the Regents Renaissance Drama Series, and wrote a book entitled
The Tragedy of State: A Study of Jacobean Drama.
The editor's introduction to this Arden edition covers the play's historical background, characters, and cultural references, and discusses key themes (Justice and Mercy; Grace and Nature; Creation and Death) and analytical conclusions. The play itself is followed by two appendices: the first, on sources, includes a letter of Joseph Macarius to George Pernezíth, an extract from the Hecatommithi of Giraldi Cinthio, an extract from The Historie of Promos and Cassandra by George Whetstone, and an extract from Too Good to be True by Thomas Lupton. The second appendix is the song, 'Take, o take those lips away' (IV. i). This edition also includes a list of abbreviations used in the text for reference.
The Arden Shakespeare has developed a reputation as the pre-eminent critical edition of Shakespeare for its exceptional scholarship, reflected in the thoroughness of each volume. An introduction comprehensively contextualizes the play, chronicling the history and culture that surrounded and influenced Shakespeare at the time of its writing and performance, and closely surveying critical approaches to the work. Detailed appendices address problems like dating and casting, and analyze the differing Quarto and Folio sources. A full commentary by one or more of the plays foremost contemporary scholars illuminates the text, glossing unfamiliar terms and drawing from an abundance of research and expertise to explain allusions and significant background information. Highly informative and accessible, Arden offers the fullest experience of Shakespeare available to a reader.
Synopsis
The Arden Shakespeare has long been acclaimed as the established scholarly edition of Shakespeare's work. Now being totally reedited for the third time, Arden editions offer the very best in contemporary scholarship. Each volume provides a clear and authoritative text, edited to the highest standards; detailed textual notes and commentary on the same page of the text; full contextual, illustrated introduction, including an in-depth survey of critical and performance approaches to the play; and selected bibliography.
Synopsis
The Arden Shakespeare is the established edition of Shakespeare's work. Justly celebrated for its authoritative scholarship and invaluable commentary, Arden guides you a richer understanding and appreciation of Shakespeare's plays. This edition of Measure for Measure provides, a clear and authoritative text, detailed notes and commentary on the same page as the text, a full introduction discussing the critical and historical background to the play and appendices presenting sources and relevant extracts.