Othello tells the story of a Moorish general in command of the armed forces of Venice, who earns the enmity of his ensign Iago by passing him over for a promotion. Partly for revenge and partly out of pure evil, Iago plots to convince Othello that Desdemona, his wife, has been unfaithful to him.<br/><br/>Unique features of the Signet Classic Shakespeare An extensive overview of Shakespeare's life, world, and theater by the general editor of the Signet Classic Shakespeare series, Sylvan Barnet A special introduction to the play by the editor, Alvin Kernan, Princeton University Source from which Shakespeare derived Othello selections from Giraldi Cinthio's Hecatommithi Dramatic criticism from the past and present: commentaries by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Maynard Mack, Madelon Gholke Sprengnether, Marvin Carlson A comprehensive stage and screen history of notable actors, directors, and productions of Othello, then and now Text, notes, and commentaries printed in the clearest, most readable type Up-to-date list of recommended readings