Agostino Lombardo Books

In this lively comedy of love and money in sixteenth-century Venice, Bassanio wants to impress the wealthy heiress Portia but lacks the necessary funds. He turns to his merchant friend, Antonio, who is forced to borrow from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. When Antonio's business falters, repayment becomes impossible--and by the terms of the loan agreement, Shylock is able to demand a pound of Antonio's flesh. Portia cleverly intervenes, and all ends well (except of course for Shylock).

While temporarily governing Vienna, Angelo sentences Claudio to death for making his betrothed Julietta pregnant. When Claudio's sister Isabella - a novice nun - begs for his release, the seemingly virtuous Angelo offers to spare his life only if Isabella will consent to be his mistress.