Mr. Johnson's Preface To His Edition Of Shakespeare's Plays (1765)

Mr. Johnson's Preface to His Edition of Shakespeare's Plays (1765) is a literary work by Samuel Johnson, a renowned English writer and critic. The book is a preface to Johnson's edition of the complete works of William Shakespeare, which he published in 1765. In this preface, Johnson provides a comprehensive analysis of Shakespeare's plays, commenting on their themes, characters, language, and style.Johnson's analysis of Shakespeare's plays is based on his own literary theories and his understanding of the cultural and historical context in which Shakespeare wrote. He argues that Shakespeare's plays are not only entertaining but also instructive, providing valuable insights into human nature and society. He also defends Shakespeare's use of language, which he sees as a reflection of the richness and complexity of the English language.Throughout the book, Johnson offers critical commentary on specific plays, such as Hamlet, Macbeth, and Othello, as well as on Shakespeare's overall body of work. He also discusses the challenges of editing and publishing Shakespeare's plays, including the difficulties of deciphering Shakespeare's handwriting and the variations in the texts that have been passed down over time.Overall, Mr. Johnson's Preface to His Edition of Shakespeare's Plays (1765) is a seminal work of literary criticism that has had a lasting impact on the study and interpretation of Shakespeare's plays. It remains a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the works of Shakespeare and the history of English literature.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.