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Measure For Measure

Third Series
3.67 goodreads logo

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( 31,557 ratings, 1,952 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare is a complex play exploring morality and justice set in Vienna. When the Duke places Angelo in charge, the latter enforces strict morality laws with unexpected rigidity. As Isabella pleads for her brother's life, themes of power, corruption, and mercy intertwine, leading to intricate moral dilemmas and social commentary.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy exploring the complexities of morality and justice, all within the vibrant world of Shakespearean comedy and drama. Its intricate plot mingles themes of power, ethics, and redemption, providing both thought-provoking content and engaging entertainment. Fans of classical literature and theatrical works will find much to admire.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Often described as one of Shakespeare’s ‘problem plays’, Measure for Measure explores issues of mercy and justice in corrupt Vienna. The Duke makes his strict moralistic deputy, Angelo, temporary leader of Vienna, while he disguises himself as a friar to witness all that ensues.

In the comprehensive introduction to this new, fully-illustrated Arden edition, with commentary and notes from A. R. Braunmuller, Robert N. Watson explores the recent increased attention to the play and the shifting judgements of key characters such as the Duke and Isabella. He analyses the social foundations of these changes, their validity as readings of the text, and their manifestations in performance. It also explores the play’s implications on topics including love, marriage, sexuality, consent, mortality, religion, statecraft, moderation, and theatre itself.

Series: The Arden Shakespeare Third Series

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

This edition of Measure for Measure is praised for its clear and sophisticated critical analysis, benefiting from recent performance histories. It offers lucid accounts of the play's textual and performance aspects, and provides an engaging exploration of both major and secondary issues.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781904271437

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 23 January 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: The Arden Shakespeare

Edition: 3rd edition

Illustration: 15 bw illus

Contributors:

  • Edited by Robert N. Watson
  • Edited by A.R. Braunmuller

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 464g

Pages: 440

About the Author

A. R. Braunmuller is Professor of English and Comparative Literature at UCLA, USA.

Robert N. Watson is Associate Dean of Humanities and Distinguished Professor of English at the University of California, Los Angeles, USA. He is the author of many award-winning books, including Back to Nature: The Green and the Real in the Late Renaissance and Shakespeare and the Hazards of Ambition.

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