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Simon & Schuster

Much Ado About Nothing (Folger Shakespeare Library)

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Description

The authoritative edition of Much Ado About Nothing from the Folger Shakespeare Library—the most trusted Shakespeare series for students, educators, and general readers—offers a complete, accessible resource for exploring one of William Shakespeare’s best-known romantic comedies. A favorite on stage and in classrooms, Much Ado About Nothing presents two contrasting love stories: the impulsive romance between Hero and Claudio, threatened by deception from the scheming Don John, and the witty, slow-burn relationship between Beatrice and Benedick, whose verbal sparring conceals deep affection. Set in Elizabethan England, this richly layered comedy combines mistaken identity, honor, betrayal, and emotional redemption. This Folger Shakespeare Library edition features the highly praised side-by-side format with explanatory notes and language guides—ideal for students and anyone new to Shakespeare’s plays. Edited from the best early printed text, this edition includes: · The exact text of the printed play for easy reference · Hundreds of hyperlinked notes for fast navigation · A modern introduction to reading Shakespeare’s language · Scene-by-scene plot summaries and analysis · A guide to Shakespeare’s most famous lines and phrases · A new essay by Gail Kern Paster, offering a contemporary perspective on the play · Rare archival images from the Folger Shakespeare Library’s world-renowned collection · An annotated guide for further reading and research The Folger Shakespeare Library, located in Washington, DC, is home to the largest collection of Shakespeare materials and serves as a hub for scholars and fans alike. With public exhibitions, performances, and educational programs, the Folger is an unparalleled resource for appreciating Shakespearean drama in the modern age. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Washington Square Press


Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 1, 2004


Edition ‏ : ‎ Reprint


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 246 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0743482751


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 52


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4.8 ounces


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.13 x 1 x 6.75 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #10,901 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #11 in British & Irish Dramas & Plays #14 in Shakespeare Dramas & Plays #422 in Classic Literature & Fiction


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Much Ado About Nothing Folders' Edition Review
Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing is a witty, entertaining play. As the silly characters fall in and out of love, the audience will laugh and be frustrated. The plot is driven by vengeance, love, and gossip. Through these powerful human emotions, the audience will feel immediately connected to the characters. Hero and Claudio are tested with gossip and lies, but in the end are happy together. Beatrice and Benedict share a more controversial love, constantly arguing to hide their insecurities. Once they finally unite, their matched wit becomes their strongest asset. Throughout this fun, flirty play, the reader will have no choice but to relax and enjoy one of Shakespeare's greatest comedies. Although satisfying entertainment, Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing was also thought provoking. Despite the silly tone, Shakespeare is making a statement postulating the frivolity of society. The merry cast is completely absorbed in their various social problems. They have no concern for justice or human rights, purely driven to create an impressive status. Shakespeare's portrayal of communities calls for a realization, and a change in public values. One modern problem with this play could be the old English writing style. Although sometimes difficult to understand, it is with his unique and time-appropriate metaphors that Shakespeare beautifies his language. Also, The Folgers' Edition has thorough side notes, keeping the reader informed and on-track. This play is an intelligent but enjoyable combination of entertaining wit and serious commentary. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2010 by SEATTLE AMAZON FAN
    • Where art though Romeo
Got for my daughter’s English class. She said it was classic Shakespeare
Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2024 by Christina
    • A Less Well-Known, Still Enjoyable, Shakespearean Drama
This is a Shakespearean Comedy of Manners from before the genre was even really a fully developed thing, featuring love affairs, a revenge plot, some humorous incompetence, a faked death, and much more. I'm not a big comedy fan, but this is certainly a good example of the genre at the time from which it came, and I actually quite enjoyed it. When it comes to the works of Shakespeare as a whole, I would say that this is a less memorable example, but definitely has some positives going for it as well. For one, it's far less well-known than many of his more famous works, so it doesn't feel familiar as you read it. The characters and plot also tend to grow on you, even as the language isn't quite so memorable, and the plotting and mistaken identities aspects are always good plot points, whether you're speaking of today or centuries ago. As to the edition itself, I found it to be greatly helpful in understanding the action in the play. It has a layout which places each page of the play opposite a page of notes, definitions, explanations, and other things needed to understand that page more thoroughly. While I didn't always need it, I was certainly glad to have it whenever I ran into a turn of language that was unfamiliar, and I definitely appreciated the scene-by-scene summaries. Really, if you want to or need to read Shakespeare, an edition such as this is really the way to go, especially until you get more accustomed to it. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2014 by T. A. Kleinhans
    • Makes reading Shakespeare fun
Everything about this book makes reading Shakespeare fun. The actual text is presented on the page in a way that makes it easy to follow. And the page facing the text provides explanations for the language in the text that will enable you to understand what you are reading.
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2024 by gsfword
    • This Folger Library Edition is Excellent
A fine Shakespearean play. The Folger Library edition provides useful insight and background. Recommended.
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2022 by Kem White
    • very simple
Used in Shakespeare club.
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2025 by Amazon Customer
    • Great book
Purchased for my pre-teen. She LOVES IT!
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2024 by TaylorsPenny
    • One of the Bard's best comedies
Loved this play!! It is funny but also has tragedy before going back to comedy. It is a classic rom-com story.
Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2024 by Jake

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