As merry as the day is long.

Mistaken identities, jealous relatives, lovers' quarrels and a happy ending... Discover the entertaining story at the heart of Much Ado About Nothing, one of Shakespeare's best-loved comedies.

Contains information about the background to Much Ado About Nothing, its major themes, language, and Shakespeare's life during the time he was writing the play. Gossip, and its role in society in 16th century England, is also examined, to give some context in which the play was written.

The Short, Sharp Shakespeare series consists of six books that retell Shakespeare's most famous plays in modern English. Clever illustrations accompany each title, making them a great introduction to the Bard for children aged 9 and above.

• 1: Introducing Much Ado About Nothing
• 2: Much Ado About Nothing
• 3: Much Ado About Nothing at a glance
• 4: The story of Much Ado About Nothing
• 5: Shakespeare and Much Ado About Nothing
• 6: Staging Much Ado About Nothing
• 7: Much Ado About Nothing: themes and symbols
• 8: Much Ado About “Noting”
• 9: The language of Much Ado About Nothing
• 10: What Much Ado About Nothing means today
• 11: Glossary
• 12: Much Ado About Nothing quiz