Preface to Shakespeare

Samuel Johnson

Sep 2022 · DigiCat

About this ebook

Samuel Johnson's 'Preface to Shakespeare' delves deep into the literary context and significance of William Shakespeare's works by offering critical analysis and historical insights. Johnson's prose is both eloquent and insightful, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of Shakespeare's impact on English literature. The Preface serves as a key text in the study of Shakespearean criticism, showcasing Johnson's meticulous attention to detail and profound admiration for the Bard's works. In this seminal piece, Johnson not only praises Shakespeare's genius but also highlights the enduring relevance of his plays in the literary canon. As a scholar and critic, Johnson's analysis is both thorough and thought-provoking, making 'Preface to Shakespeare' a must-read for any serious student of literature. Samuel Johnson's deep admiration for Shakespeare's works shines through in this influential piece of literary criticism, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to delve into the complexities of Shakespearean drama.

About the author

Samuel Johnson (1709–1784), often referred to as Dr. Johnson, was a towering figure in 18th-century English literature and is esteemed for his profound contributions as a lexicographer, essayist, moralist, literary critic, biographer, editor, and poet. Johnson's erudition and wit established him as a societal authority on literary matters. His 'Preface to Shakespeare', which appeared as an introduction to his edition of the plays of William Shakespeare, offers an exceptional example of Johnson's literary criticism. Within this preface, Johnson combines a historical perspective with a pragmatic appreciation of Shakespeare's work, asserting both the enduring relevance of the Bard's creations and their remarkable representation of human nature. Johnson's thorough analysis of Shakespeare's characters, thematic structures, and language has been a touchstone for critics and scholars, as it successfully situates Shakespeare within the broader canon of Western literature without sacrificing the intrinsic qualities that make his works unique. Beyond criticism, Johnson's most renowned work, 'A Dictionary of the English Language', was seminal in standardizing English spelling and usage. His biographical and critical essays, epitomized by 'The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets', and his periodical essays in 'The Rambler', 'The Idler', and 'The Adventurer', further cemented his reputation as an eloquent observer of human virtue and vice. Dr. Johnson's work exemplifies the Augustan Age's literary ideals, characterized by reason, order, and classical eloquence, while still foreshadowing the Romantic era's emotional depth and individuality.