The Merchant of Venice is most associated not with its titular hero, Antonio, but with the complex, unforgettable figure of the money-lender, Shylock. It is Shylock who finances Antonios friend Bassanio in his pursuit of the beautiful Portia, and who demands a gruesome bond from the wealthy merchant. Described as a comedy in the First Folio, Shakespeares explorations of prejudice, duty and the nature of justice make for a far darker play.

This Macmillan Collectors Library edition is illustrated throughout by Sir John Gilbert (1817-1897), and includes an introduction by Ned Halley.

Designed to appeal to the booklover, the Macmillan Collectors Library is a series of beautiful gift editions of much loved classic titles. Macmillan Collectors Library are books to love and treasure.