Eighteenth Century Essays on Shakespeare

A scholarly edition gathers nine influential eighteenth-century essays and prefaces on Shakespeare by Rowe, Dennis, Pope, Theobald, Hanmer, Warburton, Johnson, Farmer, and Morgann, accompanied by an editor's introduction, notes, and index. The introduction maps changing critical attitudes and challenges the notion that the century failed to appreciate the playwright, arguing that many later Romantic insights had earlier roots. Texts are collated against original editions and variants are noted, while individual essays range from biographical account and editorial prefaces to arguments about learning, dramatic character, and editorial practice. The volume thus recreates the period's debates over interpretation, textual editing, theatrical adaptation, and reputation.