Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare Classic Literature Paperback Book

Much Ado About Nothing

by William Shakespeare

The Signet Classic Shakespeare Series

Special Introduction to the play by the editor, David L. Stevenson, Hunter College.

While staying at his friend Leonato's home, Claudio falls in love with Hero, Leonato's beautiful daughter, and they agree to marry.

In the meantime, they decide to trick ther friends Benedick and Beatrice - who have nothing but insults for each other - into falling in love as well.

However, Don John, the illegitimate brother of Leonato's close friend Don Pedro, won't stand for such happiness.

He tricks Claudio into thinking Hero has been unfaithful. Claudio's hasty overreaction and Leonato's redemption of Hero wield all the tools of a romantic comedy, making a story that is, indeed much ado about nothing.

This play was first published in England in 1600.

Unique Features of the Signet Classic Shakespeare Series Includes additional features:

•General discussion of Shakespcare's life, world, and theater by the general editor of the Signet Classic Shakespeare series, Sylvan Barnet, Tufts University.

•Special note on the sources from which Shakespeare derived Much Ado About Nothing

•Dramatic criticism from the past and present: commentaries by Charles Gilden, Lewis Carroll, George Bernard Shaw, Donald A. Stauffer, W.H. Auden, Carol Thomas Neely

•A new, comprehensive stage history of notable actors, directors, and productions of Much Ado About Nothing, then and now 

•Text and commentaries printed in the clearest, most readable type

•Detailed footnotes at the bottom of each page of the play keyed to the numbered lines of the text

Pages in unmarked, unread condition.  Covers have tanning inside and streaking outside due to age. Cover has minor shelf wear to edges and corners.