All Formats & Editions

Often described as one of Shakespeare's 'problem plays', Measure for Measure explores issues of mercy and justice in corrupt Vienna. The Duke makes his strict moralistic deputy, Angelo, temporary leader of Vienna, while he disguises himself as a friar to witness all... Read Full Overview

Read Shakespeare's plays in all their brilliance--and understand what every word means

Called away on business, Duke Vincentio leaves Vienna in the hands of his trusted minister Angelo. But as Angelo abuses his new power, he has no idea that the duke is hiding in the shadows, observing each and every dastardly deed in this dark comedy.

Shakespeare's vivid dramatic projection of moral and ethical issues in Measure for Measure has given the play great appeal to both readers and theatergoers. Exploring the play's qualities as a complex work of art written specifically for the theater, the introduction to this... Read Full Overview

'Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall.'

This edition of Measure for Measure is especially designed for students, with accessible on-page notes and explanatory illustrations, clear background information, and rigorous but accessible scholarly credentials. This edition includes illustrations, preliminary notes, reading... Read Full Overview

The Norton Critical Edition is based on the 1623 First Folio text, the only authoritative edition of the play. The editor has modernized spelling but preserves, for the most part, the original lineation and characteristically heavy punctuation. The text of Measure for Measure... Read Full Overview

Folger Shakespeare Library The world's leading center for Shakespeare studies Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play Scene-by-scene plot summaries A key to famous... Read Full Overview

One of Shakespeare's dark comedies, Measure for Measure is as noteworthy for its fascinating political and social implications as for its compelling characters: a duke masquerading as a monk, a would-be nun ordered to sacrifice her chastity to save her brother's life,... Read Full Overview

"I feel that I have spent half my career with one or another Pelican Shakespeare in my back pocket. Convenience, however, is the least important aspect of the new Pelican Shakespeare series. Here is an elegant and clear text for either the study or the rehearsal room, notes where... Read Full Overview

Measure for Measure is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1603 or 1604. It was originally classified as a comedy, but is now also classified as one of Shakespeare's problem plays.The play deals with the issues of mercy, justice, truth and their relationship... Read Full Overview

'Language is his power. His characters are precisely the words they speak' A. S. Byatt