Presents the original text of Shakespeare's play side by side with a modern version, discusses the author and the theatre of his time, and provides quizzes and other study activities. His compelling tale of justice and cruelty, friendhsip and love comes to life in this clear, modern version. Thge stofy of Shylock's deadly cleaim for a pound of Antonio's flesh, of the horror and helplessness of Antonio's friends, and of the mysterious young lawyer...

This volume, covering "Acting Companies, Elizabethan" to "History in Shakespeare's Plays: Ancient Greece and Rome," discusses the complexity of Shakespeare's world and the playwright's means to immortalize his world through his works.