The Merchant of Venice

The Merchant of Venice is one of the most famous plays by William Shakespeare, written at an uncertain date between 1594 and 1597. It was entered in the Stationers' Register, the method at that time of obtaining copyright for a new play, by James Roberts on July 22, 1598. It was first printed in 1600 and again in a pirated edition in 1619. The play was mentioned by Francis Meres in 1598, so it must have been familiar on the stage by that date. Critics also debate over the resemblance of Shakespeare's play to Christopher Marlowe's "The Jew of Malta."

Trivia

• The device of three caskets with riddles has been used for logic games. The coffers assert about the truthfulness of their and the other inscriptions (e.g. the golden casket has the portrait, two of the caskets are lying,...), to discover the portrait of Portia, and the reader of the pastime has to find which is telling truth.