The Merry Wives Of Windsor

You've probably heard of Sir John Falstaff--but you don't really quite know him until you see him comedically in Shakespeare's "The Merry Wives of Windsor." He's a real comedian...that is if you can understand what he's talking about!If you have struggled in the past reading Shakespeare, then BookCaps can help you out. This book is a modern translation of The Merry Wives of Windsor.The original text is also presented in the book, along with a comparable version of both text.We all need refreshers every now and then. Whether you are a student trying to cram for that big final, or someone just trying to understand a book more, BookCaps can help. We are a small, but growing company, and are adding titles every month.

The Merry Wives of Windsor, Shakespeare's only thoroughly English comedy, created an archetypal literary figure in the shape of the devious, irrepressible John Falstaff. This stimulating new edition celebrates the play as a joyous exploration of language, but also places elements of its plot firmly in a continental, specifically Italian, tradition of romantic comedy. It draws out the complexities of Merry Wives as a multi-plot play, and takes a fresh and challenging look at both textual and dating issues; a facsimile of the first Quarto is included as an appendix. The play's extensive performance history, both dramatic and operatic, is fully explored and discussed. This is a significant and substantive edition, in that nothing has been taken for granted, everything has been opened to reconsideration. The commentary is exceptionally detailed and attentive to questions of language and meaning. John Jowett, Shakespeare Institute, University of Birmingham, Shakespeare Quarterly

The Merry Wives of Windsor has recently experienced a resurgence of critical interest. At times considered one of Shakespeare’s weaker plays, it is often dismissed or marginalized; however, developments in feminist, ecocritical and new historicist criticism have opened up new perspectives and this collection of 18 essays by top Shakespeare scholars sheds fresh light on the play. The detailed introduction by Phyllis Rackin and Evelyn Gajowski provides a historical survey of the play and ties into an evolving critical and cultural context. The book’s sections look in turn at female community/female agency; theatrical alternatives; social and theatrical contexts; desire/sexuality; nature and performance to provide a contemporary critical analysis of the play.

The Signet Classics edition of William Shakespeare's comedy of love, jealousy, revenge, and merriment. Disreputable Sir John Falstaff decides to seduce two wealthy married women to refill his dwindling coffers and soon finds himself outwitted by Mistress Ford and Mistress Page in this delightful, farcical comedy. This title in the Signet Classics Shakespeare series includes: • An overview of William Shakespeare’s life, world, and theater • A special introduction to the play by the editor, William Green • A note on the sources from which Shakespeare derived The Merry Wives of Windsor • Dramatic criticism from Northrop Frye, mark Van Doren, Herbert Whittaker, and others • A stage and screen history of notable actors, directors, and productions of The Merry Wives of Windsor • Text, notes, and commentaries printed in the clearest, most readable format • Recommended readings