Measure for Measure

Labelled as a 'problem play' for its marriage of comic overtones to serious moral inquiry William Shakespeare's Measure for Measure is a peerless black comedy of justice pride and desire. This Penguin Shakespeare edition is edited by J.M. Nosworthy with an introduction by Julia Briggs. 'Some rise by sin and some by virtue fall' In the Duke Vincentio's absence from Vienna his strict deputy Angelo revives an ancient law forbidding sex outside marriage. The young Claudio whose fiancée Juliet is pregnant is condemned to death by the law. His sister Isabella soon to become a nun pleads with Lord Angelo for her brother's life. But her purity so excites Angelo that he offers her a monstrous bargain - he will save Claudio if Isabella will visit him that night. This book contains a general introduction to Shakespeare's life and Elizabethan theatre a separate introduction to Measure for Measure a chronology suggestions for further reading an essay discussing performance options on both stage and screen and a commentary.|William Shakespeare was born in late April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon and died in 1616. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist.Stanley Wells is Emeritus Professor of the University of Birmingham and Honorary President of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.Julia Briggs was professor of English at De Montfort University in Leicester.|'Language is his power. His characters are precisely the words they speak' A. S. Byatt A young man is condemned to death for breaking a law forbidding sex outside marriage. When his sister pleads with the Lord Angelo to save him he offers her a bargain - her brother's life in exchange for her virginity. One of Shakespeare's most enigmatic plays Measure for Measure is a morally complex drama of intricate moves and countermoves that explores falsehood justice and humanity's best and basest instincts.Used and Recommended by the National TheatreGeneral Editor Stanley WellsEdited by J. M. NosworthyIntroduction by Julia Briggs