The Merchant Of Venice

By (author) William Shakespeare; By (author) Shakespeare, William
Short description/annotation
A complex and controversial play from the master playwright, fully illustrated by Sir John Gilbert and with an introduction by Ned Halley.
Description

Initially described as a comedy, Shakespeare''s explorations of prejudice, duty and the nature of justice make The Merchant of Venice a far darker, more alluring play.

Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition is illustrated throughout by Sir John Gilbert, and includes an introduction by Ned Halley.

The Merchant of Venice is most associated not with its titular hero, Antonio, but with the complex, unforgettable figure of the money-lender, Shylock. It is Shylock who finances Antonio''s friend Bassanio in his pursuit of the beautiful Portia, and who demands a gruesome bond from the wealthy merchant.

Review quote
Every generation continues to be in his debt. Shakespeare’s plots, which are brilliantly polyvalent, continue to inspire ceaseless adaptations and spin-offs. His unforgettable phrase-making recurs on the lips of millions who do not realise they are quoting Shakespeare
Biographical note

William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, in 1564. The date of his birth is unknown but is celebrated on 23 April, which happens to be St George''s Day, and the day in 1616 on which Shakespeare died.

Aged eighteen, he married Anne Hathaway. They had three children. Around 1585 William joined an acting troupe on tour in Stratford from London, and thereafter spent much of his life in the capital. By 1595 he had written five of his history plays, six comedies and his first tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. In all, he wrote thirty-seven plays and much poetry, and earned enormous fame in his own lifetime in prelude to his immortality.

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A complex and controversial play from the master playwright
Flap / cover copy
All that glisters is not gold
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The Merchant of Venice is most associated not with its titular hero, Antonio, but with the complex, unforgettable figure of the money-lender, Shylock. It is Shylock who finances Antonio''s friend Bassanio in his pursuit of the beautiful Portia, and who demands a gruesome bond from the wealthy merchant. Described as a comedy in the First Folio, Shakespeare''s explorations of prejudice, duty and the nature of justice make for a far darker play. This Macmillan Collector''s Library edition is illustrated throughout by Sir John Gilbert (1817-1897), and includes an introduction by Ned Halley.