Professor Sanders provides a full analysis of the textual problem and theories of transmission of Othello, and offers possible solutions to the stylistic and racial problems which face modern readers and spectators.

His edition includes contemporary maps of Venice and Cyprus, photographs of famous actors who have played the leading roles, and reconstructions of staging at the Globe and Blackfriars Theatres.

For this updated edition, Scott McMillin has added a new section on the key events in both scholarship and theatre since the 1980s, including political, feminist and postcolonial treatments in various parts of the world.

The influence of new historicism and cultural materialism are also taken into account, and a description of performances of the play on stage, film and television tackles the issue of black/white casting of the main characters.