The young venetian noble Bassanio seeks to woo the beautiful heiress Portia of Belmont. He turns to his friend, a merchant named Antonio, who agrees to help him financially. They go to a Jewish moneylender, Shylock, who agrees to lend the money-but because of their mutual animosity, Shylock demands "A pound of flesh" from Antonio as collateral.
Bassanio succeeds in winning Portia's hand. Meanwhile, Antonio's ships are reported lost at sea, and he defaults on the loan. Bassanio rushes back to Venice to help his benefactor where everything comes to a head in Court.
This Standard Ebooks edition is based on William George Clark and William Aldis Wright's 1887 Victoria edition, which is taken from the Globe edition.
Perfect for readers who love Shakespeare's masterful blend of comedy and drama, this timeless play explores themes of justice, mercy, and prejudice that remain strikingly relevant today. With its unforgettable characters like the cunning Shylock and the brilliant Portia, this classic delivers both gripping courtroom drama and sharp social commentary that will keep you riveted until the final act.