The Merchant of Venice

Designed to appeal to the book lover, the Macmillan Collector''s Library is a series of beautifully bound pocket-sized gift editions of much loved classic titles. Bound in real cloth, printed on high quality paper, and featuring ribbon markers and gilt edges, Macmillan Collector''s Library are books to love and treasure.

Initially described as a comedy, Shakespeare''s explorations of prejudice, duty and the nature of justice make The Merchant of Venice a far darker, more alluring play.

The Merchant of Venice is most associated not with its titular hero, Antonio, but with the complex, unforgettable figure of the money-lender, Shylock. It is Shylock who finances Antonio''s friend Bassanio in his pursuit of the beautiful Portia, and who demands a gruesome bond from the wealthy merchant.

This edition is illustrated throughout by Sir John Gilbert, and includes an introduction by Ned Halley.