What Blest Genius?: The Jubilee That Made Shakespeare

The remarkable, ridiculous, rain-soaked story of Shakespeare’s Jubilee: the event that established William Shakespeare as the greatest writer of all time.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 23 April 2019
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

In September 1769, a remarkable gathering of three thousand people descended upon Stratford-Upon-Avon to commemorate the illustrious legacy of the town's most celebrated son. For three enchanting days, attendees embarked on a grand parade through adorned streets, relished the melodies of songs and oratorios, and indulged in lively masked balls. This momentous occasion marked a unique cultural apex—a coronation that elevated William Shakespeare to the revered throne of genius. However, it also proved to be a catastrophic disaster, as the poorly executed Jubilee inadvertently imposed an overwhelming army of Londoners upon an ill-equipped backwater town.

Told from the captivating perspectives of David Garrick, the visionary mastermind behind the Jubilee, and James Boswell, the intrepid attendee, "What Blest Genius?" unfurls a tapestry of humor, gossip, and intrigue. Through meticulous recounting of the absurd and chaotic splendor of those three days, Andrew McConnell Stott sheds light on the circumstances that propelled Shakespeare to transcendent global icon status.

The Jubilee, initially envisioned as a grand celebration of Shakespeare's achievements, quickly devolved into a logistical nightmare. The town, unprepared for such a massive influx of visitors, struggled to accommodate the overwhelming demand for accommodations, food, and entertainment. The streets were teeming with people, their voices mingling with the melodies of street performers and the rhythmic beats of marching bands. The air was filled with the scent of incense, as the town's churches and temples offered prayers and sacrifices in honor of the renowned playwright.

Amidst the chaos, the Jubilee's grandest spectacle unfolded—the coronation ceremony itself. The town's market square was transformed into a grand stage, adorned with ornate decorations and a majestic canopy. The crowd, dressed in their finest attire, cheered and applauded as Shakespeare was crowned with a golden crown and seated on a velvet throne. The oratorios and speeches that followed were filled with praise and admiration for the Bard's unparalleled genius.

However, beneath the surface of celebration, tensions were brewing. The Jubilee had imposed an enormous financial burden on Stratford-Upon-Avon, as the town had to provide accommodations, food, and entertainment for thousands of visitors. The local economy, already struggling, was strained to its limits, and many residents felt resentment towards the influx of outsiders. The Jubilee also brought with it a sense of cultural superiority, as Londoners looked down upon the town's residents with condescension and disdain.

Despite the challenges, the Jubilee did have some positive effects on Stratford-Upon-Avon. The town's reputation as the birthplace of Shakespeare was further solidified, and the Jubilee's grand spectacle attracted visitors from all over the world. The town's hotels and inns were filled to capacity, and local businesses boomed as tourists flocked to witness the spectacle. The Jubilee also brought together people from different backgrounds and social classes, as attendees from all walks of life came together to celebrate Shakespeare's legacy.

In conclusion, the Jubilee of 1769 was a remarkable and chaotic event that marked a pivotal moment in Shakespeare's legacy. While it imposed a significant financial burden on the town and brought with it cultural tensions, it also brought positive effects, solidifying Shakespeare's place as a global icon and bringing people from different backgrounds together to celebrate his genius. The Jubilee remains a testament to the enduring power of Shakespeare's words and the enduring fascination with his life and work.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 150 x 217 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780393248654
Edition number: 2 Revised edition