"One of Shakespeare's famed comedies, A Midsummer Night's Dream depicts the adventures and chaos that ensue following the announcement of Hippolyta's marriage to Theseus, Duke of Athens. Amidst a background of bacchanalia, blurred identities, and troubled romances, the interconnected plots of four young Athenian lovers and six amateur actors become further complicated when they are manipulated by mischievous fairies in the surrounding forest. Readers of this edition will find an introduction, note on the text, and textual variants. "Sources" includes an amalgamation of classical material from Ovid, Chaucer, and Plutarch that are all purported inspirations for the play. "Criticism" includes reviews from luminaries of the 17th and 18th centuries as well as more modern criticism. In addition to their analyses of notable stagings and performances, these critical essays explore the themes of race, empire, and gender relations in the play. "Adaptations" highlights two important 17th century adaptations that have helped to immortalize Shakespeare's works in the public imagination. A Selected Bibliography is also included."--