02464cam a22003253u 4500 27485 UtSlPG 20260610133628.0 m cr n 260607r2008||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d 07008252 UtSlPG en iso639-1 PR Smith, Francis Asbury, 1837-1915 The Critics Versus Shakspere : A Brief for the Defendant Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2008 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2008-12-10 Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Carla Foust and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was made using scans of public domain works from the University of Michigan Digital Libraries.) "The Critics Versus Shakspere" by Francis Asbury Smith is a literary critique written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a defense of William Shakespeare against a variety of critics who question his originality and merit. Smith argues against assertions that Shakespeare simply imitated his contemporaries, presenting historical and critical evidence to support the claim of Shakespeare’s unique genius in the realm of English literature. The opening of the text establishes a context for an ongoing debate about Shakespeare's status among writers. Smith references past critics such as Ben Jonson, Voltaire, and Samuel Johnson, who have scrutinized Shakespeare’s work. He presents a detailed account of claims made against Shakespeare, such as accusations of his plays being inferior compared to those of contemporaries and his supposed lack of originality. Smith counters these critiques by highlighting how, despite numerous attempts to diminish his reputation, the broader literary consensus remains in favor of Shakespeare’s brilliance, as evidenced by his enduring popularity and the admiration he garners from later scholars and writers. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 -- Authorship Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 -- Criticism and interpretation -- History -- 19th century https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/27485 68394 68394