Folger Shakespeare Library: Othello - Updated Edition

More about the book

William Shakespeare’s classic play features valuable tools for educators and readers from the esteemed Folger Shakespeare Library, which houses the largest collection of Shakespeare’s printed works. The drama unfolds from the marriage between the Moor Othello and the Venetian lady Desdemona, beginning with elopement and devotion, ultimately spiraling into jealousy and tragedy. Shakespeare highlights the differences between the couple, including race, age, and cultural background, yet their strong love seems capable of overcoming these barriers—until Iago intervenes. Iago’s deceitful insinuations about Desdemona’s fidelity entrap Othello, leading to horrifying verbal and physical assaults against her. This authoritative edition from The Folger Shakespeare Library, widely used by students and general readers, includes: freshly edited text based on the best early printed version; full explanatory notes on facing pages; scene-by-scene plot summaries; a key to famous lines and phrases; an introduction to reading Shakespeare's language; illustrations from the Folger’s rare book collection; and an essay by a leading scholar offering a modern perspective on the play.