Preface to Shakespeare

Preface to Shakespeare  – In his celebrated Preface to Shakespeare, Dr. Samuel Johnson says, “The faults of Shakespeare are the faults of his age; his merits are his own.” This may equally, well apply to his own assessment of Shakespeare’s greatness. Dr. Samuel Johnson’s criticism of Shakespeare is marked by his robust common sense which was characteristic of his own age. He has, however, analysed Shakespearean critics who preceded him and laid bare their limitations and prejudices. Besides, he has successfully grappled with the problems of Shakespearean emendation in his edition of the Bard’s plays blaming Shakespeare for his own obscurity and in difference to fame. This critical study, originally prepared by Dr. Raghukul Tilak, has now been thoroughly edited, revised and updated by Prof. Shakti Batra.