The Merchant of Venice

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "The Merchant of Venice". Featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. Antonio, a merchant in sixteenth century Venice tries to assist his kinsman, Bassanio in his pursuit of winning the affections of Portia, a desirable heiress. To do so, he secures a loan from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, but at a high cost should he fail to repay. After Antoniös ships are announced lost at sea, he is forced to default and must pay the price at trial in the Duke s Court. The play explores themes of intolerance and injustice and is known for its dramatic speeches. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.