Johnson on Shakespeare

"Johnson on Shakespeare" presents a vital collection of Samuel Johnson's critical essays and notes regarding the works of William Shakespeare. Edited and introduced by Walter Raleigh, this volume serves as a bridge between two of the most significant figures in the history of English letters, capturing Johnson's rigorous, witty, and often profound observations on the Bard's dramatic output.

Central to this work is Johnson's landmark "Preface to Shakespeare," in which he defends the playwright's disregard for the classical unities and praises his ability to depict universal human nature. The collection also includes detailed commentary on individual plays, providing readers with a comprehensive view of how the 18th century's preeminent man of letters understood the Elizabethan stage. Johnson's criticism is celebrated for its common sense and its focus on the moral and psychological truth of the characters, famously asserting that Shakespeare is "above all writers, at least above all modern writers, the poet of nature."

This edition is a cornerstone for anyone interested in the development of literary theory, the history of Shakespearean performance, and the evolution of the English critical tradition. It remains an essential text for scholars and enthusiasts of classic literature alike.

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