Francis Asbury Smith
The Critics Versus Shakspere
A Brief for the Defendant
"The Critics Versus Shakspere" by Francis Asbury Smith is a literary critique written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a defense of William Shakespeare against a variety of critics who question his originality and merit. Smith argues against assertions that Shakespeare simply imitated his contemporaries, presenting historical and critical evidence to support the claim of Shakespeare’s unique genius in the realm of English literature. The opening of the text establishes a context for an ongoing debate about Shakespeare's status among writers. Smith references past critics such as Ben Jonson, Voltaire, and Samuel Johnson, who have scrutinized Shakespeare’s work. He presents a detailed account of claims made against Shakespeare, such as accusations of his plays being inferior compared to those of contemporaries and his supposed lack of originality. Smith counters these critiques by highlighting how, despite numerous attempts to diminish his reputation, the broader literary consensus remains in favor of Shakespeare’s brilliance, as evidenced by his enduring popularity and the admiration he garners from later scholars and writers.