Oct 12, 2008

Preface to Shakespeare | Preface to Shakespeare

At a glance:

Author: Samuel Johnson
First Published: 1765
Type of Work: Literary criticism
Genres: Criticism, Nonfiction
Subjects: Authors or writers, Literature, Poetry or poets, Eighteenth century, Drama or dramatists, Shakespeare, William, or Shakespearean plays

Critical Evaluation:

Samuel Johnson’s preface to The Plays of William Shakespeare has long been considered a classic document of English literary criticism. In it Johnson sets forth his editorial principles and gives an appreciative analysis of the “excellences” and “defects” of the work of the great Elizabethan dramatist. Many of his points have become fundamental tenets of modern criticism; others give greater insight into Johnson’s prejudice than into Shakespeare’s genius. The resonant prose of the preface adds authority to the views of its author.

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[The entire page is 2133 words long]

Preface to Shakespeare | Preface to Shakespeare

At a glance:

Critical Evaluation:

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