First Readers of Shakespeare's Sonnets, 1590-1790

First Readers of Shakespeares Sonnets reintroduces many early readings of Shakespeares sonnets, arguing that studying these previous readers expands the modern critical applications of these poems, thereby affording them numerous future applications. This volume draws upon book history, manuscript studies, and editorial theory to recover four lost critical approaches to the sonnets, highlighting early readers' interests in Shakespeares classical adaptations, political applicability, religious themes, and rhetorical skill during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

For over four centuries, a rich tapestry of cultural preferences, literary values, critical contexts, and personal tastes has shaped the profound and diverse responses of readers to Shakespeare's sonnets. In the early days, private readers, guided by the religious, political, and humanist ideals that shaped their lives, delved into these poetic treasures, considering them in the light of the values that resonated with them. Meanwhile, in the vibrant seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, a diverse group of readers, including stationers and editors, navigated a delicate balance between their personal literary preferences and the perceived or actual interests of the literate public they catered to. These readers crafted carefully curated editions of the sonnets, carefully balancing their own tastes with the demands of a broader audience, often achieving remarkable success in captivating the hearts and minds of their readers.

However, it is important to note that the rich tapestry of sonnet interpretations from the sonnets' first two centuries in print has, in many ways, been overlooked by modern sonnet scholarship. This scholarship, driven by a strong emphasis on narrative and amorous readings of the 1609 sequence, has tended to overshadow the diverse range of interpretations that emerged during the earlier periods.
To rectify this oversight, First Readers of Shakespeares Sonnets takes a groundbreaking approach. By reintroducing many early readings of Shakespeare's sonnets, this volume argues that delving into the priorities and interpretations of these previous readers expands the horizons of modern critical applications of these poems. It offers a wealth of future applications for these timeless works.

This volume draws upon a diverse range of disciplines, including book history, manuscript studies, and editorial theory, to recover four lost critical approaches to the sonnets. It uncovers the interests of early readers in Shakespeares classical adaptations, his political relevance, his religious themes, and his rhetorical skill during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Through meticulous research and analysis, this volume sheds light on the rich tapestry of interpretations that shaped the reception of Shakespeare's sonnets during their early stages of publication.

By exploring these forgotten critical perspectives, First Readers of Shakespeares Sonnets provides a fresh and invigorating lens through which to appreciate these iconic poems. It invites readers to engage with Shakespeare's sonnets on a deeper level, recognizing the diverse range of voices and interpretations that have contributed to their enduring legacy. This volume serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone with an interest in Shakespearean literature, offering a wealth of insights and perspectives that enrich our understanding and appreciation of these remarkable works.

Weight: 518g
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367501365