02355cam a22003613u 4500 6314 UtSlPG 20260610133151.0 m cr n 260607r2004||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PR De Quincey, Thomas, 1785-1859 Biographical Essays 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 2004-08-01 Shakespeare -- Pope -- Charles Lamb -- Goethe -- Schiller. Produced by Robert Prince, Juliet Sutherland, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team "Biographical Essays" by Thomas De Quincey is a collection of critical essays produced in the early 19th century. This work examines the lives and influences of significant literary figures, initiating with an exploration of William Shakespeare, aimed at illuminating the complexities and contexts surrounding these historical icons. The opening of the essay focuses on William Shakespeare's life, discussing the scant details of his early years despite his monumental impact on literature. De Quincey reflects on the uncertainty surrounding the precise date and circumstances of Shakespeare's birth, introducing various theories regarding his time of baptism and the connection to his eventual fame. He further analyzes Shakespeare’s familial background, the challenges faced by his father, and the social dynamics of Stratford-upon-Avon, ultimately suggesting that these factors may have shaped Shakespeare's literary career. Through a blend of historical inquiry and literary critique, De Quincey's introductory exploration sets the tone for a deeper examination of Shakespeare's life and legacy. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Pope, Alexander, 1688-1744 Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832 Schiller, Friedrich, 1759-1805 Lamb, Charles, 1775-1834 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/6314 48336 48336