The Common Reader

The Common Reader

Share this post

The Common Reader
The Common Reader
Twenty-five facts about the Merchant of Venice
Shakespeare

Twenty-five facts about the Merchant of Venice

A Grail quest, a romantic comedy, Shakespeare's most performed play

Henry Oliver's avatar
Henry Oliver
Jul 03, 2025
∙ Paid
14

Share this post

The Common Reader
The Common Reader
Twenty-five facts about the Merchant of Venice
7
1
Share
  1. A reference in the opening to a ship called the Andrew suggests Merchant was written no earlier than summer 1596. It was added to the Stationers’ Register on 22 July 1598. An account of modern literature published that September included Merchant, suggesting it was already in repertory with the Chamberlain’s Men. The Register includes a note that the Ch…

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to The Common Reader to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Henry Oliver
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share