Shylock: A Legend and Its Legacy

by Joe Gross and John J. Gross

Book Overview

With brilliant historical perspective and insight, theater critic John Gross explores the complex and influential history that has given Shylock a life beyond the play and established him as a figure... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671707078
• ISBN13: 9780671707071
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 386 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Shylock in Context

John Gross' work is very readable, yet also very scholarly. We learn about the real situation of Jews in Venice, the real role of "usury" (despite official attitudes to it) in Elizabethan England. The ties to traditional dark Medieval myths about Jews are explained. Also we are told about famous performances of Shylock, including by Jewish actors. Anyone interested in the stage, Shakespeare, great characters, or Jews and the myths about them ... will want to own this book.