The Oxford Companion to Shakespeare

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Gentleman, Francis

Gentleman, Francis (1728–84),
actor, playwright, and dramatic critic. Gentleman wrote The Dramatic Censor; or, Critical Companion (1770), a series of essays on specific plays, almost a third of which are devoted to Shakespeare's works. He illustrates his commentary with numerous quotations from the plays and references to contemporary productions. Gentleman was also responsible for the introduction and notes to John Bell's acting edition of Shakespeare. His copious notes stress the plays in performance and provide a record of the staging of Shakespeare during the 18th century. Gentleman is particularly enthusiastic regarding Garrick's renditions of Shakespeare's works.

Jean Marsden

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