Shakespeare

Johann Gottfried Herder's Shakespeare (1773) is an important and original work in literary criticism, arguing that cultural artifacts should be judged by their response to their own historical and cultural context, rejecting French neoclassicism and Romanticism. This edition, with a new translation and introduction by Gregory Moore, will speak to today's readers with undiminished power and persuasiveness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Without the profound influence of Johann Gottfried Herder (1744–1803), our understanding of Shakespeare would be vastly different. In fact, the impact of Herder's Shakespeare (1773) extends far beyond the realm of literature, influencing various forms of art and culture. This groundbreaking essay, considered one of the most significant and original works in literary criticism, pioneered a new, historicist approach to evaluating cultural artifacts. Instead of judging them based on their adherence to conventions from another time and place, Herder argued that their true worth should be measured by their ability to respond effectively to their own historical and cultural context.

Herder's Shakespeare marked a significant departure from the dominant French neoclassicism that evaluated eighteenth-century plays according to Aristotle's criteria. It signaled a break with the Enlightenment, Romanticism, and the emergence of a distinctively modern form of aesthetic appreciation. Herder's vision challenged the notion of universal standards and emphasized the importance of cultural diversity and local contexts.

This edition of Herder's classic, with a vibrant new translation by Gregory Moore and an insightful introduction, remains as powerful and compelling as it did when it was first published. It offers contemporary readers a fresh perspective on Shakespeare, allowing them to appreciate his works in a new light and gain a deeper understanding of their historical and cultural significance. Herder's Shakespeare remains a cornerstone of literary criticism, inspiring generations of scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 94g
Dimension: 102 x 150 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691242163