The Story

This isn't a novel with a plot, but it has all the drama of one. David Nichol Smith gathers key essays from the 1700s, a century that decided Shakespeare needed explaining. You'll read famous pieces by writers like Samuel Johnson, Alexander Pope, and Joseph Addison. They argue about everything: Is Shakespeare's language brilliant or barbaric? Should his plays follow strict classical rules? Some critics even 'fixed' his work by cutting scenes or changing endings to make them more 'proper.' The book shows how each generation recreated Shakespeare in its own image.

Why You Should Read It

It completely changed how I see Shakespeare. Reading these essays is like overhearing a brilliant, centuries-long conversation. You realize his status wasn't automatic—it was fought over. Some essays made me laugh out loud (the outrage over Shakespeare's 'low' humor!), while others, like Johnson's defense of Shakespeare's emotional truth, gave me chills. It reminds you that great art sparks debate, and that's part of its power. You'll never read King Lear the same way again.

Final Verdict

Perfect for Shakespeare fans who want to go deeper than the plays themselves, and for anyone curious about how cultural icons are made. It's also a surprisingly fun read for people who enjoy intellectual history—think of it as the original 'Shakespeare criticism' podcast, but in book form. If you've ever argued about a book or movie with friends, you'll feel right at home with these 18th-century critics.