Books by Vicki K. Janik

The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare's most frequently performed plays. This reference is a comprehensive introduction to the play, its themes and contexts, its critical reception, and its performance history. The volume begins with a discussion of the play's creation and textual history.

and cultural and mythological figures, such as India's Birbal, the American circus clown, the Native American Coyote, Taishu Engeki of Japan, Hephaestus, Loki the Norse fool, schlimiels and schlimazels, and the drag queen. The entries, written by expert contributors, are critical as well as informative.