Tab Article

ratings: (4.8/5)
Genre: Classic Literature, Drama, Comedy, Shakespearean Play, Romantic Comedy

Book Review:
'Much Ado About Nothing' is Shakespeare at his most delightful. At its heart are Beatrice and Benedict, two of the most captivating characters in all of literature. Their verbal sparring, laced with wit and hidden affection, is pure theatrical joy. Watching their friends conspire to bring them together provides some of the play's funniest moments. But the play is not all light comedy. The cruel deception of Hero introduces a strain of darkness that gives the story depth and makes the eventual happy ending all the more satisfying. This New Penguin edition, edited by R. A. Foakes, is superb. The introduction brilliantly unpacks the play's themes and its performance history, while the notes clarify every Elizabethan joke and turn of phrase. Endorsed by the RSC, this is the edition to trust. Whether you're a student or simply a lover of great comedy, this book is a treasure. As Beatrice famously quips, ''I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me'' – a line that perfectly captures the play's spirit of witty independence and hidden heart.