'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

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Bassanio, a noble but impoverished Venetian, asks his friend the merchant Antonio for a loan to impress an heiress. Antonio agrees, but is forced to borrow the sum from a cynical Jewish moneylender, Shylock, who forces him into a chilling contract, which stipulates he must honour the debt with a pound of his own flesh.
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Product details

ISBN
9780141396545
Published
2015
Publisher
Penguin Books Ltd
Weight
181 gr
Height
197 mm
Width
129 mm
Thickness
15 mm
Age
01, G, 01
Language
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Number of pages
240

Introduction by
Revised by

Biographical note

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.