Othello (Bantam Classic) Mass Market Paperback – January 1, 1988

For anybody who hasn't read Shakespeare in a while, you might consider Othello. With memorable lines (like "I loved not wisely but too well..."), the play takes a very personal look at envy and jealousy on the domestic scene. Yes, Othello is a great prince and a warrior who has made himself irreplaceable to Venice. Yes, he is a Moor of royal background, meaning that he was exotic and black and to Shakespeare's 17th c. audience was seen as an Other, an outsider who wanted to be accepted enough to convert to Christianity. Desdemona, wealthy daughter of Brabantio, was a great catch for an ambitious man wanting to make his mark. The fact that Othello loved her completely made her the whole package.Desdemona was fair and beautiful, and although Othello was perceived as an outsider and black, he was admired by most Venetians for his courage and nobility. Iago, however, hated Othello, and his motivations for his actions have made for many good discussions, although it is generally accepted that his sociopathic character suggests that he loves the thrill of wallowing in evil. Iago is the ultimate manipulator; he gets most of the characters in the play to do his bidding and to bring about the utter destruction of Othello and Desdemona, as well as most of the minor characters. By making Othello erroneously believe that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, and as Othello's trusted right hand man, Iago gets rid of everybody he envies and hates. The play is powerful and tragic, as Othello realizes that he had wronged Desdemona and dies without ever knowing why Iago wanted to destroy him. The audience can see why, however, and as we watch Iago's plot unfold before our eyes, only we understand how it all happened as we watch Iago's deadly plot work itself out. We wonder how the rest of the characters can be so dumb as to believe Iago. However, we must remember that only we and Iago know what's going on, creating a tour de force of irony. (If you know Richard III, Iago's delight in doing evil rivals Richard's).

The Purchase was worthwhile for the 150 plus page introduction. A Shakespeare scholar, teacher recommended the book because I needed information about the how the play was performed and by whom. I would have paid the price just for the introduction alone. The Introduction is a well written, informative, and engaging account of the history of the play, its performers, and reception as well as Othello's unique position in the racial politics of the UK and the USA. As reference it is a must read for academics, social historians, and drama students

I have been teaching "Othello" for 12 years and this is by far the most scholarly and footnoted edition available. This edition footnotes not just their own editorial decisions but the history of editorial decisions from the Quarto and Folio. Also, the introduction, which is almost 200 pages, details the performance and critical histories.

This book was really interesting to read. If you have difficulties reading it, you should re a summary of each scene and then read the book right after. It'll help you understand it. This was a good book, had tons of tragedy, wish it would've ended differently. The sender, shipped it fast and in a plastic cover. I was pleased.

Oxford delivered a superb edition of Shakespeare's classic! I have read many versions/editions and it does not compare to the quality and detail produced by Oxford's World Classics!

I already owned the Folger Shakespeare Library version of Othello, but this one was much better for writing research papers, as it had many handy essays in the back.

OMG…i had no idea that this was the size of a pamphlet/brochure…this thing is so tiny you cannot call it a book.- shocked & disappointed.

Shakespeare classics. My daughter and I went to see Shakespeare in the park when they were playing Othello. She enjoyed the play so much, she wanted to read it too. It actually worked out well, since she had to read it for her English class anyway.

Se você gosta de Dom Casmurro ou qualquer outra história que tenha um mega drama por conta de ciúmes doentios, esse livro é pra você. Simplesmente incrível.E a edição é linda também, livro pequeno, mas tudo lindo e maravilhoso.

A paperback that is lightweight and easy to read. The Footnotes are excellent and most helpful in understand this complex play

Mi è stato consigliato per letteratura inglese

'Othello' is a work of such profound tragedy and timeless relevance that it defies conventional ratings. It's a tale of jealousy and betrayal that resonates as much today as it did in Shakespeare's time. It's like a storm at sea - turbulent, destructive, and awe-inspiring.

Ich brauche das Buch für die Uni und macht einen sehr guten Eindruck. Leider hat es ein paar leichte Schrammen, die gerade noch hinzunehmen sind.