02152cam a22003013u 4500 5429 UtSlPG 20260610133138.0 m cr n 260607r2004||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PR Johnson, Samuel, 1709-1784 Preface to Shakespeare Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2004 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2004-04-01 Steve Harris, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team "Preface to Shakespeare" by Samuel Johnson is a critical analysis and commentary on the works of William Shakespeare, written in the mid-18th century. Johnson delves into Shakespeare's literary merit, his understanding of human nature, and the nuances of his storytelling, while also promoting an appreciation for the playwright's timeless relevance in both literature and society. The opening of this work establishes Johnson's intent to critique the common notions surrounding Shakespeare's legacy. He discusses how society often favors the reverence of antiquity over contemporary excellence and investigates the reasons Shakespeare's works continue to endure. Johnson reflects on the nature of Shakespeare's characters, emphasizing their representation of universal human emotions rather than specific traits tied to their contexts. He also critiques the conventions of drama and engages with the historical context of Shakespeare's writing, showcasing his unique ability to blend tragedy with comedy in ways that reflect the realities of life. Through this thoughtful introduction, Johnson sets the stage for a thorough examination of Shakespeare's plays and their enduring significance. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/5429 47460 47460