Measure for Measure

    These authoritative texts are among the most vital editions of Shakespeare's works available. Each volume includes facing-page text and notes, a chronology of Shakespeare's life and times, and a rich selection of critical and theatrical responses to each play over the centuries. Everyman's editions also offer unique forewords discussing performance of the plays, written by actors and actresses such as James Earl Jones, John Gielgud and Julie Harris. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

　　William Shakespeare was born in 1564 in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, England. The son of a successful middle-class glove-maker, Shakespeare attended grammar school, but his formal education proceeded no further. In 1582, he married an older woman, Anne Hathaway, and had three children with her. Around 1590 he left his family behind and traveled to London to work as an actor and playwright. Public and critical success quickly followed, and Shakespeare eventually became the most popular playwright in England and part owner of the Globe Theater. His career bridged the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I ; he was a favorite of both monarchs. Wealthy and renowned, Shakespeare retired to Stratford and died in 1616 at the age of 52.

　　These authoritative texts are among the most vital editions of Shakespeare's works available. Each volume includes facing-page text and notes, a chronology of Shakespeare's life and times, and a rich selection of critical and theatrical responses to each play over the centuries. Everyman's editions also offer unique forewords discussing performance of the plays, written by actors and actresses such as James Earl Jones, John Gielgud and Julie Harris.
　　The play examines the nature of mercy and justice, proposing that a good government is one that is flexible and based on common sense. The play opens with Vincentio, the Duke of Vienna, telling his deputy Angelo to govern his duchy while he travels to Poland. In actuality, the duke remains in Vienna disguised as a friar. Following the letter of the law, Angelo passes the death sentence on Claudio, a nobleman convicted for impregnating his betrothed, Juliet. Claudio's sister Isabella, a novice in a nunnery, pleads his case to Angelo, who offers to spare Claudio in exchange for her favors. On the advice of Vincentio, Isabella schedules the rendezvous but secretly arranges for Angelo's spurned fiancee, Mariana, to take her place. Afterward, Angelo reaffirms the execution. Vincentio comes to the rescue, and in the end Claudio is saved and wed to Juliet, Angelo is discredited and ordered to marry Mariana, and Vincentio asks Isabella to be his wife.

Editors'Preface
Shakespeare's Measure for Measure
Reading Shakespeare's Language:
Measure for Measure
Shakespeare's Life
The Publication of Shakespeare's Plays
An Introduction to This Text
Measure for Measure
Text of the Play with Commentary
Longer Notes
Historical Background
Textual Notes
Measure for Measure:A Modern Perspective by Christy Desmet
Further Reading
Key to Famous Lines and Phrases