After his ships and money are lost at sea, Antonio, a prominent Venetian merchant, cannot repay a loan to Shylock, the Jewish moneylender and long-suffering target of his ridicule. Antonio must rely on an unexpected source, Shakespeare’s first great heroine, to save his skin—quite literally—in this intriguing tale of love, law, mercy, and revenge.

The Merchant of Venice is perhaps best known for its controversial depiction of Shylock. Originally conceived as a bloodthirsty villain, Shylock has been later understood to be a far more sympathetic character who challenges cultural stereotypes while reminding audiences to look beyond the barrier of ethnocentricity.

AmazonClassics brings you timeless works from the masters of storytelling. Ideal for anyone who wants to read a great work for the first time or rediscover an old favorite, these new editions open the door to literature’s most unforgettable characters and beloved worlds.

Revised edition: Previously published as The Merchant of Venice, this edition of The Merchant of Venice (AmazonClassics Edition) includes editorial revisions.