Othello was probably written in 1603, some years after the Ottoman-Venetian War (1570-1573) fought for control of Cyprus, a possession of the Venetian Republic since 1489. The story revolves around two characters, Othello and Iago. Othello is a Moorish military commander serving as a general of the Venetian army in defence of Cyprus against invasion by Ottoman Turks. He has recently married Desdemona, a beautiful and wealthy Venetian lady much younger than himself, against the wishes of her father. Iago is Othello's ensign, who stokes his master's jealousy until the usually stoic Moor kills his beloved wife in a fit of blind rage. Due to its enduring themes of passion, jealousy, and race, Othello is still topical and popular and is widely performed, with numerous adaptations.

This edition is based on the First Folio and includes an extensive introduction by Chris McNab that examines the origins of the work, the plot and the characters as well as notes on the text, a glossary and a timeline of Shakespeare's life and work.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Arcturus Shakespeare Editions series brings together many of Shakespeare's celebrated plays, presented with striking contemporary cover designs. Each edition is based on the First Folio and includes an informative introduction, glossary and timeline.