The Taming of the Shrew (Folger Shakespeare Library)

Love and marriage are the concerns of Shakespeares The Taming of the Shrew. Lucentios marriage to Bianca is prompted by his idealized love of an apparently ideal woman. Petruchios wooing of Katherine, however, is free of idealism. Petruchio takes money from Biancas suitors to woo her, since Katherine must marry before her sister by her fathers decree; he also arranges the dowry with her father. Petruchio is then ready to marry Katherine, even against her will.

Katherine, the shrew of the plays title, certainly acts much changed. But have she and Petruchio learned to love each other? Or is the marriage based on terror and deception?

The authoritative edition of The Taming of the Shrew from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers, includes:

-Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play

-Newly revised explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play

-Scene-by-scene plot summaries

-A key to the plays famous lines and phrases

-An introduction to reading Shakespeares language

-An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play

-Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Librarys vast holdings of rare books

-An up-to-date annotated guide to further reading

Essay by Karen Newman

The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the worlds largest collection of Shakespeares printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs. For more information, visit Folger.edu.