Jew of Malta

The Jew of Malta, written in 1590, is a challenging play that swings wildly in genre, from satire to revenge tragedy. It explores contemporary Elizabethan social tensions, particularly anti-Semitism, and is expertly edited with an accompanying introduction that addresses issues of performance, cultural, and historical context. Arden Early Modern Drama editions offer the best in contemporary scholarship, providing commentary and guiding the reader to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the play.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 12 August 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Jew of Malta, penned around 1590, poses a challenge for contemporary audiences. Initially, the play enjoyed immense popularity, traversing a diverse range of genres, including pointed satire, bloody revenge tragedy, melodramatic intrigue, dark farce, and grotesque comedy. While set on the Mediterranean island of Malta, the play resonated with contemporary Elizabethan social tensions, particularly the highly charged issue of London's much-resented community of resident merchant foreigners. Barabas, the titular Jew, appears initially victimized by Malta's Christian Governor, who employs scripture to justify the demand that Jews relinquish their wealth to pay Malta's tribute to the Turks. When Barabas protests, he is stripped of his wealth, his means of livelihood, and his house, which is converted into a nunnery. In response to this hypocritical extortion, Barabas embarks on a horrific and sometimes hilarious course of violence that extends beyond mere revenge, employing murderous tactics that encompass a wide array of weapons, from deadly soup to poisoned flowers. The play's intricate treatment of anti-Semitism and its relationship to Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice continue to be subjects of ongoing scholarly reflection. This new edition is meticulously edited, accompanied by an insightful introduction that addresses issues of performance, cultural and historical context, interpretation, and the key themes explored by the play. Arden Early Modern Drama editions are renowned for their excellence in contemporary scholarship, offering a wealth of insightful commentary and guiding readers to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the play. This edition provides: A clear and comprehensive textDetailed on-page commentary notesA comprehensive, illustrated introduction to the play's historical, cultural, and performance contexts.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 206 x 136 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781408130001