This classic play gets a fresh update with the addition of an outline of Shakespeare's life, criticisms, and a new comprehensive stage history of notable productions. Detailed footnotes are keyed to numbered lines within the text.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
This is the first edition of Much Ado About Nothing focusing wholly on the play in performance. Shifting trends in the production of this popular drama are analysed in relation to the culture of each period since Shakespeare's time, with particular attention to gender issues. A commentary alongside the text recreates in lively detail interpretations of each passage in a variety of British, American, Canadian and other productions. An essential resource for students, teachers and performers, this is an illuminating book for theatregoers.
Set in a courtly world of masked revels and dances, this play turns on the archetypal story if a lady falsely accused of unfaithfulness, spurned by her bridegroom, and finally vindicated and reunited with him. Villainy, schemes, and deceit threatens to darken the brilliant humor and sparkling wordplay--but the hilarious counterplot of a warring couple, Beatrice and Benedick, steals the scene as the two are finally tricked into admitting their love for each other in Shakespeare's superb comedy of manners.
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Seller: World of Books (was SecondSale), Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Fair. Much Ado About Nothing of the Ratna Sagar Shakespeare Series is enriched with complete text of the original play, plenty of short notes that explain and interpret the text, summary of each scene, as well as useful commentary on the life and times of Shakespeare, Elizabethan theatre, sources and genre, characters, plot, themes, and motifs, literary devices and figures of speech. A comedy of errors, the title of the play is justified by the utter confusion in the plot that arises out of nothing. Replete with sparkling dialogues, the play has also been described as a comedy of wit. This edition of Much Ado About Nothing is enriched with exhaustive annotations and notes.This enriched edition of Much Ado About Nothing has exhaustive annotations and notes. As suggested by its title, the play is a comedy of errors in which a lot of fuss and confusion is created over nothing. The title also plays on the word 'nothing', pronounced as 'noting' in Elizabethan English. 'Noting' refers to the manner in which people note or eavesdrop, and pass on information. The action over the course of the play largely arises because of noting and deceit, as the characters are directly or indirectly affected by eavesdropping and gossip. Claudio and Hero's relationship suffers due to the malicious misinformation of Don John and Borachio. On the other hand, Benedick and Beatrice's relationship develops as a result of the well-intended deceit and gossip of Don Pedro, Claudio, Leonato, Hero, and Ursula. Set in Messina, Italy, the action of the play mostly takes place in and around the house of Leonato, the Governor of Messina, who lives with his daughter, Hero, and his witty niece, Beatrice. The play commences with Don Pedro, the Prince of Arragon, and his followers Benedick and Claudio visiting Leonato with the prince's illegitimate brother Don John, who had rebelled against him but is now reconciled. It is revealed that Claudio loves Hero and wishes to propose to her. While the Claudio-Hero relationship forms the main plot of the play, the sub-plot is provided by the love-hate relationship between Benedick and Beatrice, whose interactions oscillate between fondness and witty sarcasm from the very beginning. In the initial part of the play, there is a masked dance in which Don Pedro pretends to be Claudio, woos Hero on his behalf, and asks Leonato for Hero's hand in marriage to Claudio. As all is settled for the prospective marriage of Claudio and Hero within a week, the bitter and sullen Don John concocts a plan with his underling Borachio to spoil the happiness of Claudio, the 'young start-up' who 'hath all the glory of my overthrow'. As a game of deceit and manipulation begins, Don John and Borachio execute their plan to lead Claudio into believing Hero's infidelity. An enraged Claudio shames and rejects Hero in front of the wedding congregation the next day. Leonato is devastated, and Hero faints, at which Claudio and Don Pedro leave her for dead. Friar Francis believes in Hero's innocence, and devises the plan to publish the report of her death so as to convert the slander against her into pity, and make Claudio realize her worth and repent for disgracing her. Meanwhile, the scene shifts to the members of the Watch, with the head constable Dogberry, his partner Verges, and two watchmen. Although they are the comedians of the play, these farcical detectives are the ones who finally uncover the truth of Don John's villainy. Once Don John's plot is revealed, Don Pedro and Claudio repent for their action and apologize to Leonato, who asks Claudio to hang an epitaph on Hero's 'tomb', and then marry his 'niece', who is 'the copy of my child that's dead', as penance. Claudio agrees, and on the day of the wedding the lady is revealed to be none other than Hero herself. With the resolution of the Claudio-Hero relationship, Benedick and Beatrice too confess their love for each other, but not without the customary bout of wit. A messenger arrives to inform all that Don John has been captured while trying to flee. With poetic justice served and all conflicts resolved, the play ends with a celebratory dance. Seller Inventory # 00109647294
Seller: BooksRun, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Fair. The item might be beaten up but readable. May contain markings or highlighting, as well as stains, bent corners, or any other major defect, but the text is not obscured in any way. Seller Inventory # 0451522982-7-1
Seller: Once Upon A Time Books, Siloam Springs, AR, U.S.A.
Mass Market Paperback. Condition: Acceptable. This is a used book. It may contain highlighting/underlining and/or the book may show heavier signs of wear . It may also be ex-library or without dustjacket. This is a used book. It may contain highlighting/underlining and/or the book may show heavier signs of wear . It may also be ex-library or without dustjacket. Seller Inventory # mon0001193547
Seller: World of Books Inc, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Fair. Much Ado About Nothing of the Ratna Sagar Shakespeare Series is enriched with complete text of the original play, plenty of short notes that explain and interpret the text, summary of each scene, as well as useful commentary on the life and times of Shakespeare, Elizabethan theatre, sources and genre, characters, plot, themes, and motifs, literary devices and figures of speech. A comedy of errors, the title of the play is justified by the utter confusion in the plot that arises out of nothing. Replete with sparkling dialogues, the play has also been described as a comedy of wit. This edition of Much Ado About Nothing is enriched with exhaustive annotations and notes.This enriched edition of Much Ado About Nothing has exhaustive annotations and notes. As suggested by its title, the play is a comedy of errors in which a lot of fuss and confusion is created over nothing. The title also plays on the word 'nothing', pronounced as 'noting' in Elizabethan English. 'Noting' refers to the manner in which people note or eavesdrop, and pass on information. The action over the course of the play largely arises because of noting and deceit, as the characters are directly or indirectly affected by eavesdropping and gossip. Claudio and Hero's relationship suffers due to the malicious misinformation of Don John and Borachio. On the other hand, Benedick and Beatrice's relationship develops as a result of the well-intended deceit and gossip of Don Pedro, Claudio, Leonato, Hero, and Ursula. Set in Messina, Italy, the action of the play mostly takes place in and around the house of Leonato, the Governor of Messina, who lives with his daughter, Hero, and his witty niece, Beatrice. The play commences with Don Pedro, the Prince of Arragon, and his followers Benedick and Claudio visiting Leonato with the prince's illegitimate brother Don John, who had rebelled against him but is now reconciled. It is revealed that Claudio loves Hero and wishes to propose to her. While the Claudio-Hero relationship forms the main plot of the play, the sub-plot is provided by the love-hate relationship between Benedick and Beatrice, whose interactions oscillate between fondness and witty sarcasm from the very beginning. In the initial part of the play, there is a masked dance in which Don Pedro pretends to be Claudio, woos Hero on his behalf, and asks Leonato for Hero's hand in marriage to Claudio. As all is settled for the prospective marriage of Claudio and Hero within a week, the bitter and sullen Don John concocts a plan with his underling Borachio to spoil the happiness of Claudio, the 'young start-up' who 'hath all the glory of my overthrow'. As a game of deceit and manipulation begins, Don John and Borachio execute their plan to lead Claudio into believing Hero's infidelity. An enraged Claudio shames and rejects Hero in front of the wedding congregation the next day. Leonato is devastated, and Hero faints, at which Claudio and Don Pedro leave her for dead. Friar Francis believes in Hero's innocence, and devises the plan to publish the report of her death so as to convert the slander against her into pity, and make Claudio realize her worth and repent for disgracing her. Meanwhile, the scene shifts to the members of the Watch, with the head constable Dogberry, his partner Verges, and two watchmen. Although they are the comedians of the play, these farcical detectives are the ones who finally uncover the truth of Don John's villainy. Once Don John's plot is revealed, Don Pedro and Claudio repent for their action and apologize to Leonato, who asks Claudio to hang an epitaph on Hero's 'tomb', and then marry his 'niece', who is 'the copy of my child that's dead', as penance. Claudio agrees, and on the day of the wedding the lady is revealed to be none other than Hero herself. With the resolution of the Claudio-Hero relationship, Benedick and Beatrice too confess their love for each other, but not without the customary bout of wit. A messenger arrives to inform all that Don John has been captured while trying to flee. With poetic justice served and all conflicts resolved, the play ends with a celebratory dance. Seller Inventory # CIN0451522982A
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. Very Good condition. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp. Seller Inventory # E22N-01762
Seller: Better World Books: West, Reno, NV, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. Reissue. Former library copy. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # GRP81592717
Seller: -OnTimeBooks-, Phoenix, AZ, U.S.A.
Condition: good. A copy that has been read, remains in good condition. All pages are intact, and the cover is intact. The spine and cover show signs of wear. Pages can include notes and highlighting and show signs of wear, and the copy can include "From the library of" labels or previous owner inscriptions. 100% GUARANTEE! Shipped with delivery confirmation, if you're not satisfied with purchase please return item! Ships via media mail. Seller Inventory # OTV.0451522982.G
Seller: -OnTimeBooks-, Phoenix, AZ, U.S.A.
Condition: very_good. Gently read. May have name of previous ownership, or ex-library edition. Binding tight; spine straight and smooth, with no creasing; covers clean and crisp. Minimal signs of handling or shelving. 100% GUARANTEE! Shipped with delivery confirmation, if you're not satisfied with purchase please return item! Ships USPS Media Mail. Seller Inventory # OTV.0451522982.VG
Seller: Robinson Street Books, IOBA, Binghamton, NY, U.S.A.
Mass Market Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Prompt Shipment, shipped in Boxes, Tracking PROVIDEDVery good, some light wear and creasing. Used book. Seller Inventory # bing6681294
Seller: BennettBooksLtd, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.
paperback. Condition: New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title! Seller Inventory # Q-0451522982