This book presents an innovative, scientifically grounded interpretation of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. It offers solutions to problems inherent in the text which have hitherto been ignored or inadequately addressed: problems relating to the flow of time, the phases of the moon, and the significance of April Fool’s Day. The author, astrophysicist Peter Usher, pays careful attention to astronomical and chronological clues in the play, shedding new light on scenes that have long been a cause of confusion: Lancelot’s riddling masque speech to Shylock, Antonio’s melancholia, Portia’s foreknowledge of the contents of a letter, and the ring subplot.

The book builds on the author’s long-running research on Shakespeare’s knowledge of astronomy. It should appeal to students, teachers, actors, and all readers who have puzzled over this enigmatic play.