(Paperback)

The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare's most problematic plays, largely because of what is seen as its inherent anti-semitism. At the centre of the play is one of the most famous anti-heroes in Shakespeare: Shylock 'the Jew'. How to interpret Shylock baffles critics as they divide on whether Shakespeare is prejudiced or sympathetic.

(Paperback)

In need of money, the fat and foolish Falstaff devises a scheme to seduce two married women and steal their husbands' wealth. By talking to each other, however, the wives soon discover his plan and begin to plot their own revenge.

(Paperback)

(Hardback, 2nd edition)

(Hardback)

Part of the "Clothbound Classics" series, this title collects sonnets of Shakespeare's that deal with eternal subjects such as love and infidelity, memory and mortality, and the destruction wreaked by Time. It also includes the sonnet "A Lover's Complaint", in which a young woman is overheard lamenting her betrayal by a heartless seducer.

(Paperback)

The beautiful but sharp-tongued 'shrew' Katherina has sworn never to accept the demands of any would-be husband. Her younger sister Bianca, meanwhile, is forbidden to be married until Katherina finds a suitable match - much to the dismay of Bianca's suitors, Hortensio and Gremio.

(Paperback)

(Paperback)

A major new edition of this perennially succesful play which continues to entertain and perplex modern audiences. The play is discussed in its critial and theatrical contexts and Hodgdon, a leading feminist scholar, opens up new readings for modern audiences and students.

(Paperback)

A storm rages. Prospero, his daughter Miranda, and his monstrous servant Caliban watch from their desert island as a ship carrying the royal family is wrecked. Miraculously, all on board survive. Plotting, mistaken identities, and bewitching love follow as the travellers explore the strange place of spirits and monsters on which they have landed.

(Hardback, Adapted edition)

Age range 5 to 9

Set children up to be successful readers of Shakespeare with this stunning picture book adaptation of The Tempest. Young readers will be enchanted by this tale of magical shipwrecks, the wizard Prospero, and his beautiful daughter, Miranda, as they find one another on a lonely island.

(Paperback)

(Paperback)

(Paperback)

(Paperback)

When Theseus, Duke of Athens, learns that the ruler of Thebes has killed three noble kings he swears to take revenge. But after Athens triumphs over the rival city, Theseus is struck by the bravery of two Theban cousins and orders his surgeons to attend to them.

(Paperback, 2nd edition)

(Paperback)

Leontes, the jealous King of Sicily becomes convinced that his wife, Hermione is carrying the child of his best friend Polixenes. Imprisoned and put on trial, the Queen collapses when the King refuses to accept the divine confirmation of her innocence. The child is abandoned to die on the coast of Bohemia.

(Paperback)

(Paperback)

One of Shakespeare's late plays, The Winter's Tale falls into two distinct parts: the first part tragedy and the second, comedy. John Pitcher's lively introduction and commentary explores the extraordinary merging of theatrical forms in the play and its success in performance.

(Paperback)

(Paperback)

It is the seventh year of the Trojan War. The Greek army is camped outside Troy and Achilles - their military hero - refuses to fight. Inside the city Troilus, the Trojan King's son, falls in love with Cressida, whose father has defected to the Greek camp. In an exchange of prisoners the couple are split - they believe forever.

(Paperback)

Separated from her twin brother Sebastian after a shipwreck, Viola disguises herself as a boy to serve the Duke of Illyria. Wooing a countess on his behalf, she is stunned to find herself the object of his beloved's affections.

(Paperback)

(Hardback)

(Paperback)

Critically acclaimed as one of Shakespeare's most complex and intriguing plays, "Twelfth Night" is a classic romantic comedy of mistaken identities. This book explores the factors that make up the play's textual, theatrical, critical and cultural history. It surveys the play's production and reception and emphasizes the role of the spectator.