The Merry Wives of Windsor - (Signet Classics) by William Shakespeare (Paperback)

About the Book

This farce follows Sir John Falstaff--of the Henry IV plays--as he tries to woo two wealthy married women in this classic comedy. Includes special Introductions to the play by Green, a comprehensive stage history of the play, and much more. Revised reissue.

Book Synopsis

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

Review Quotes

Praise for William Shakespeare: Complete Works

"Remarkable . . . makes Shakespeare's extraordinary accomplishment more vivid than ever."--James Shapiro, professor, Columbia University, bestselling author of A Year in the Life of Shakespeare: 1599

"A feast of literary and historical information."--The Wall Street Journal

About the Author

William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was a poet, playwright, and actor who is widely regarded as one of the most influential writers in the history of the English language. Often referred to as the Bard of Avon, Shakespeare's vast body of work includes comedic, tragic, and historical plays; poems; and 154 sonnets. His dramatic works have been translated into every major language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.