Shakespeare in the Eighteenth Century

This book examines Shakespeare's influence and popularity in all aspects of eighteenth-century literature, culture and society.

Fiona Ritchie (Edited by), Peter Sabor (Edited by)

9780521898607, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 19 April 2012

470 pages, 17 b/w illus.
23.5 x 15.8 x 2.5 cm, 0.88 kg

"It is nonetheless the most comprehensive study available, including not only the scholarship mentioned above but also essays on eighteenth-century criticism and reviews of Shakespeare, Shakespearean forgeries, and Shakespeare in opera. Most impressive is that, besides occasional disagreements, this collection builds a remarkably consistent picture of Shakespeare’s status and identity in the eighteenth century." -Nicholas Hudson, Comptes Rendus

In the eighteenth century, Shakespeare became indisputably the most popular English dramatist. Published editions, dramatic performances and all kinds of adaptations of his works proliferated and his influence on authors and genres was extensive. By the second half of the century Shakespeare's status had been fully established, and since that time he has remained central to English culture. Shakespeare in the Eighteenth Century explores the impact he had on various aspects of culture and society: not only in literature and the theatre, but also in visual arts, music and even national identity. The eighteenth century's Shakespeare, however, was not our Shakespeare. In recovering the particular ways in which his works were read and used during this crucial period in his reception, this book, with its many illustrations and annotated bibliography, is the clearest way into understanding this key phase in the reception of the playwright.

Introduction Fiona Ritchie and Peter Sabor
Part I. The Dissemination and Reception of Shakespeare in Print: 1. Editing and publishing Shakespeare Marcus Walsh
2. Criticism of Shakespeare Jack Lynch
3. Shakespeare in the reviews Antonia Forster
4. Shakespeare discoveries and forgeries Brean Hammond
Part II. Shakespeare in Literature: 5. Shakespeare in poetry David Fairer
6. Shakespeare in the novel Thomas Keymer
7. Shakespeare in drama Tiffany Stern
Part III. Shakespeare on the Stage: 8. Shakespeare and the London stage Robert Shaughnessy
9. Shakespeare adaptation Jenny Davidson
10. Shakespeare and opera Michael Burden
Part IV. Memorializing Shakespeare: 11. Shakespeare and the visual arts Shearer West
12. Shakespeare and the Stratford Jubilee Kate Rumbold
13. Shakespeare and English nationalism Kathryn Prince
Part V. Shakespeare in the Wider World: 14. Shakespeare and the French Revolution Frans De Bruyn
15. Shakespeare and Germany Roger Paulin
16. Shakespeare and philosophy Philip Smallwood
Reference guide to Shakespeare in the eighteenth century Frans De Bruyn
Index.

Subject Areas: Shakespeare studies & criticism [DSGS], Literary studies: c 1800 to c 1900 [DSBF], Literary studies: c 1500 to c 1800 [DSBD]