Preface to Shakespeare
Samuel Johnson's Preface to Shakespeare introduced his edition of the plays in 1765 and is one of the founding documents of English criticism. Johnson praises Shakespeare as the poet of nature, whose characters are not individuals but species and who holds up to his readers a faithful mirror of manners and of life. He defends the mingling of tragedy and comedy and dismisses the rules of the unities of time and place, but he also lists the dramatist's faults with characteristic frankness. This text adds a selection of Johnson's notes on Measure for Measure, Henry IV, Henry V, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and Othello, which show his sharp, commonsense judgments at work on particular scenes. It is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, with the opening pages free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about Preface to Shakespeare
Preface to Shakespeare by Samuel Johnson can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read Preface to Shakespeare online?
Yes. Preface to Shakespeare opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is Preface to Shakespeare free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of Preface to Shakespeare is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is Preface to Shakespeare in the public domain?
Yes. Preface to Shakespeare by Samuel Johnson is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read Preface to Shakespeare?
About 1 h 30 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is Preface to Shakespeare?
Preface to Shakespeare by Samuel Johnson is filed under "History" in the Vinteuil library.
