Anthologizing Shakespeare, 1593-1603

Five anthologies of Shakespeare's works appeared in print between 1599 and 1601, featuring extracts from his poems and plays alongside lines by his rivals and contemporaries. These anthologies marked a critical moment in Shakespeare's life, showcasing his reputation as a poet and playwright. Anthologizing Shakespeare, 1593-1603 offers new readings of Shakespeare's formative works during this period, illuminating his "anthology period" and exploring how he appealed to the reading habits of his contemporaries. It argues that Shakespeare used anthologizing to open up questions about classical literature, English poetry, poetry's relationship with drama, and the afterlife.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Between 1599 and 1601, a remarkable phenomenon emerged in the world of print: no fewer than five anthologies graced the pages, presenting excerpts from the illustrious works of William Shakespeare. These collections varied in their approach, some featuring complete poems, while others opted for shorter passages culled from his plays and poems, accompanied by lines on similar themes penned by his rivals and contemporaries. Arriving at a pivotal juncture in Shakespeare's career, these anthologies served as a testament to the immense reputation he had cultivated as a poet and playwright by the close of the sixteenth century. However, in their extraction of passages from their original contexts, these anthologies also offered unique readings of Shakespeare, perhaps mirroring the ways in which he might have envisioned his works being interpreted. After all, this was the customary practice of early modern readers, who engaged with texts by selecting choice excerpts and diligently copying them into their notebooks.

Drawing inspiration from these anthologies, Anthologizing Shakespeare, 1593-1603 presents fresh interpretations of Shakespeare's formative decade in print, spanning from Venus and Adonis (1593) to Hamlet (1603). It sheds light on a previously overlooked period in Shakespeare's career, known as his "anthology period." This book delves into the essence of these anthologies and explores the reciprocal influence they had on Shakespeare and his creative process. It uncovers how Shakespeare's works were shaped by the culture of commonplacing and anthologizing, which permeated the environment in which he wrote and in which he, like his readers, was educated.

In this captivating book, Ted Tregear delves into the ways in which Shakespeare appealed to the reading habits of his contemporaries, captivating and frustrating them in equal measure. He argues that Shakespeare employed the practice of anthologizing as a means to delve into profound questions at the heart of his poems and plays. These questions touched upon classical literature and the educational institutions where it was taught, English poetry and its literary heritage, the intricate relationship between poetry and drama, and the broader cultural significance of poetry in society. Through his innovative anthologizing techniques, Shakespeare sought to challenge and expand the boundaries of literary discourse, inviting his readers to engage with his works in new and thought-provoking ways.

In conclusion, Anthologizing Shakespeare, 1593-1603 offers a profound exploration of Shakespeare's life and career, shedding light on a previously neglected period in his artistic development. By examining the influence of anthologies on his works and the reciprocal impact he had on the culture of commonplacing and anthologizing, this book provides a fresh perspective on Shakespeare's genius and his enduring legacy. It invites readers to reimagine their understanding of Shakespeare's artistry and to appreciate the profound impact he had on the world of literature.

Weight: 630g
Dimension: 240 x 162 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192868497