William Shakespeare, Il mercante di Venezia

Composed between 1596 and 1598, The Merchant of Venice skillfully weaves drama and comedy into a story that revolves around three unforgettable figures: Shylock, the tormented Jewish moneylender who demands a pound of flesh as penalty; Antonio, the melancholy merchant willing to sacrifice himself for a friend; and Portia, the noble heiress who cleverly and determinedly reverses everyone's fortunes. In a work where affections and interests intertwine in every character, Shakespeare explores universal themes such as justice, prejudice, and the complexity of human relationships. The result is a timeless classic, still capable of surprising and prompting reflection today. This edition, edited, translated and annotated by Shaul Bassi, Professor of English Literature at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, offers a modern and illuminating reading of one of the most fascinating masterpieces of Elizabethan theater.