Measure for Measure

J. W. Leverwas a professor at Durham University in the UK. He edited editions ofAs You Like ItandA Midsummer Night's Dreamfor the New Swan Shakespeare Series, and wrote many articles that appeared inShakespeare Survey, including "Shakespeare and the Ideas of his Time" and "Twentieth-century Studies in Shakespeare's Songs, Sonnets, and Poems." He also editedEvery Man in his Humourby Ben Jonson for the Regents Renaissance Drama Series, and wrote a book entitled The Tragedy of State: A Study of Jacobean Drama.The editor's introduction to this Arden edition covers the play's historical background, characters, and cultural references, and discusses key themes (Justice and Mercy; Grace and Nature; Creation and Death) and analytical conclusions. The play itself is followed by two appendices: the first, on sources, includes a letter of Joseph Macarius to George Pernezith, an extract from theHecatommithiof Giraldi Cinthio, an extract fromThe Historie of Promos and Cassandraby George Whetstone, and an extract fromToo Good to be Trueby Thomas Lupton. The second appendix is the song, 'Take, o take those lips away' (IV. i). This edition also includes a list of abbreviations used in the text for reference. The Arden Shakespearehas developed a reputation as the pre-eminent critical edition of Shakespeare for its exceptional scholarship, reflected in the thoroughness of each volume. An introduction comprehensively contextualizes the play, chronicling the history and culture that surrounded and influenced Shakespeare at the time of its writing and performance, and closely surveying critical approaches to the work. Detailed appendices address problems like dating and casting, and analyze the differing Quarto and Folio sources. A full commentary by one or more of the play's foremost contemporary scholars illuminates the text, glossing unfamiliar terms and drawing from an abundance of research and expertise to explain allusions and significant background information. Highly informative and accessible, Arden offers the fullest experience of Shakespeare available to a reader.Shakespeare, William is the author of 'Measure for Measure', published 1967 under ISBN 9781903436448 and ISBN 1903436443.