It provides photographs of productions, black and white illustrations, questions, and sidebar explanations of difficult words or phrases. The print type is smaller than in other editions. No order number is required. Starring Warren Mitchell, Gemma Jones, and John Franklyn-Robbins, this production features elegant period costuming and sets. In this edition, clear text is accompanied by numerous line drawings.
Alternate pages provide summaries of the action and explanations of difficult words or phrases.
Suggestions for activity follow major scenes in the play. Included are a table of contents, introduction to Shakespeare's theater, introduction to the play, information about the language of the play, glossary of terms, and suggestions for activity related to the play. Patrick Stewart acts and discusses scenes from the play to illustrate varied interpretations of the character Shylock. Stewart demonstrates traditional views of Shylock, either as a noble and dignified Jew who has been persecuted, or as a vicious, Christian-hating monster. He then presents a third, more complicated interpretation combining aspects of both views.