With elegant, contemporary artwork and a faithful but succinct adaptation, this graphic novel casts a classic drama in a provocative new light. Here is the tale of young Bassanio, who, to win the love of fair Portia, entangles his dearest friend, Antonio, in a dangerous bargain with the moneylender Shylock. Only Bassanio's heartfelt efforts -- and a clever intervention by Portia -- will save Antonio from paying Shylock a pound of flesh. Moody and mesmerizing, this graphic novel adaptation of one of Shakespeare's more controversial plays boasts a chic modern cast, high drama, and all the dark, familiar beauty of Venice.

 

There are 80 pages in this book. This is a picture book. A picture book uses pictures and text to tell the story. The number of words varies from zero ('wordless') to around 1k over 32 pages. Picture books are typically aimed at young readers (age 3-6) but can also be aimed at older children (7+). This book was published 2008 by Candlewick Press, U. S. .

Folklorist, linguist, and professional storyteller, Lise Lunge Larsen draws upon her rich background in legends and myths to make these tales come alive. A children's book author, she has received many starred reviews and awards for her books. Gareth Hinds has created illustrated versions of such classics as BEOWULF, KING LEAR, MERCHANT OF VENICE and most recently, THE ODYSSEY, forthcoming from Candlewick in fall 2010. As a recent interview with him (SLJ Teen 1/20/2010) said, "He stays faithful to the original text but uses art to illuminate the story and make it more accessible to the reader. " A graduate of the Parsons School of Design, he lives in New York City with his wife, former children's bookseller, Alison Morris.