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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 trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers. One of Shakespeare’s most frequently performed comedies, Much Ado About Nothing includes two quite different stories of romantic love. Hero and Claudio fall in love almost at first sight, but an outsider, Don John, strikes out at their happiness. Beatrice and Benedick are kept apart by pride and mutual antagonism until others decide to play Cupid. The Folger Library is the nation’s best, most navigable and most respected resource for Shakespeare scholarship and teaching. The authoritative edition of Much Ado About Nothing features the side-by-side format favored by both students and teachers, as well as guides to the play’s most famous lines and Shakespearean phrases and language. This edition includes: -The exact text of the printed book for easy cross-reference -Hundreds of hypertext links for instant navigation -Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play -Full explanatory notes conveniently linked to the text of the play -Scene-by-scene plot summaries -A key to the play’s famous lines and phrases -An introduction to reading Shakespeare’s language -An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play -Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Library’s vast holdings of rare books -An annotated guide to further reading Essay by Gail Kern Paster The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs. For more information, visit Folger.edu. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Washington Square Press; Reprint edition (January 1, 2004)


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 246 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0743482751


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 52


Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ NP1020L


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.4 ounces


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.13 x 1 x 6.75 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #3,269 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #3 in British & Irish Dramas & Plays #3 in Shakespeare Dramas & Plays #126 in Classic Literature & Fiction


#3 in British & Irish Dramas & Plays:


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If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Monday, Jun 3

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • 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

  • 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

  • Good Product!
This is a good book with extra notes in it! Nice cover! No damage!
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2023 by Vincent Arredondo

  • This is one of those times a book doesn't really need a review
Christ I mean seriously who the hell am I to critique Shakespeare? If Amazon had a way to "skip reviews" this would probably be one of those I'd hit. Anything I could say about the work would feel woefully contrived and without merit. The "brass tacks" on this from a lay-mans perspective is it's fantastic but seriously it's Shakespeare and while I haven't read the breadth of his work I haven't regretted reading one yet. The translation/interpretation was fine for me (not an English major ergo haven't read another translation to compare it to). Honestly it's a safe bet and solid read if you have time ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2016 by Shaunessy

  • 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

  • FOLGER lLiBRARY EDITION
I only purchase copies of the Folger Library Editions. Some of the material is repeated in each title but there is always a modern interpretation section. The set of dialogue on the right page and definitions on the right is very handy.
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2021 by UllaN

  • The book is so good!
Very romantic and funny. Has many jokes and drama. Perfect book to read when looking for tea or drama!
Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2020 by Nale Namunyola

  • Perfect condition
I was apprehensive about getting this because of some of the reviews. The books were in perfect condition, no issues whatsoever!! Will be ordering more.
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2020 by Anastasia

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