The Merchant of Venice (Annotated Shakespeare Series)

The Annotated Shakespeare series enables readers to fully understand and enjoy the plays of the world’s greatest dramatist

In this lively comedy of love and money in sixteenth—century Venice, Bassanio wants to impress the wealthy heiress Portia but lacks the necessary funds. He turns to his merchant friend, Antonio, who is forced to borrow from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. When Antonio’s business falters, repayment becomes impossible—and by the terms of the loan agreement, Shylock is abl...