About the book
Edited, introduced and annotated by Cedric Watts, M.A., Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of English, University of Sussex.
The Wordsworth Classics’ Shakespeare Series presents a newly-edited sequence of William Shakespeare’s works. The textual editing takes account of recent scholarship while giving the material a careful reappraisal.
The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, but it remains deeply controversial.
The text may seem anti-Semitic; yet repeatedly, in performance, it has revealed a contrasting nature.
Shylock, though vanquished in the law-court, often triumphs in the theatre. In his intensity he can dominate
the play, challenging abrasively its romantic and lyrical affirmations. What results is a bitter-sweet drama.
Though The Merchant of Venice offers some of the traditional pleasures of romantic comedy, it also exposes
the operations of prejudice. Thus Shakespeare remains our contemporary.
Editions of Merchant of Venice
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781840224313
Read an Excerpt
Edited, introduced and annotated by Cedric Watts, M.A., Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of English, University of Sussex.
The Wordsworth Classics’ Shakespeare Series presents a newly-edited sequence of William Shakespeare’s works. The textual editing takes account of recent scholarship while giving the material a careful reappraisal.
The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, but it remains deeply controversial.
The text may seem anti-Semitic; yet repeatedly, in performance, it has revealed a contrasting nature.
Shylock, though vanquished in the law-court, often triumphs in the theatre. In his intensity he can dominate
the play, challenging abrasively its romantic and lyrical affirmations. What results is a bitter-sweet drama.
Though The Merchant of Venice offers some of the traditional pleasures of romantic comedy, it also exposes
the operations of prejudice. Thus Shakespeare remains our contemporary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Merchant of Venice about?
Edited, introduced and annotated by Cedric Watts, M.A., Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of English, University of Sussex.
The Wordsworth Classics’ Shakespeare Series presents a newly-edited sequence of William Shakespeare’s works. The textual editing takes account of recent scholarship while giving the material a careful reappraisal.
The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, but it remains deeply controversial.
The text may seem anti-Semitic; yet repeatedly, in performance, it has revealed a contrasting nature.
Shylock, though vanquished in the law-court, often triumphs in the theatre. In his intensity he can dominate
the play, challenging abrasively its romantic and lyrical affirmations. What results is a bitter-sweet drama.
Though The Merchant of Venice offers some of the traditional pleasures of romantic comedy, it also exposes
the operations of prejudice. Thus Shakespeare remains our contemporary.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Merchant of Venice?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Plays, playscripts, drama > Classic plays / drama
Where can I read a sample of Merchant of Venice?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781840224313
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Merchant of Venice?
Cedric Watts, William Shakespeare
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Merchant of Venice is available as paperback(ISBN 9781840224313)
Where can I buy Merchant of Venice online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Merchant of Venice?