Subject
Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 -- Sources Books
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Henry Green
Shakespeare and the Emblem Writers an exposition of their similarities of throught and expression, preceded by a view of emblem-literature down to A.D. 1616
"Shakespeare and the Emblem Writers" by Henry Green is a scholarly examination of literary connections, specifically an exposition of the similarities in thought and expression between William Shakespeare and early emblem writers, written in the late 19th century. This work seeks to explore the influences of emblem literature on Shakespeare's masterpiece, contextualizing it alongside the broader scope of emblem literature leading up to A.D. 1616. The opening portion of the text presents a detailed preface where Green provides a rationale for his study, indicating that he has observed distinct parallels between the works of Shakespeare and various emblematic writings. He references the contributions of other scholars, like Francis Douce, who have previously noted Shakespeare's engagement with emblem literature. Throughout this section, Green highlights the intricate connections that can be drawn between Shakespeare's writing and the themes evident in emblem literature, suggesting that these influences not only enriched Shakespeare's works but also offer readers deeper insights into the cultural and artistic milieu of his time.
Mungo William MacCallum
Shakespeare's Roman plays and their background
"Shakespeare's Roman Plays and Their Background" by M. W. MacCallum is a scholarly examination of the Roman-themed plays written by Shakespeare, likely composed in the early 20th century. This work delves into the context, influences, and historical significance of these plays within both Shakespeare's oeuvre and the broader landscape of English drama. It specifically addresses how these plays, while distinct from his English histories and tragedies, still reflect similar thematic elements. The opening of the text introduces an exploration of the Roman plays as a distinct category within Shakespeare's body of work, emphasizing their unique methodology and treatment. It outlines the author's intention to discuss not only Shakespeare’s plays but also the historical context surrounding them, including the influences of previous Roman-themed works and key historical figures such as Plutarch. MacCallum acknowledges the challenge of his location far from European libraries, expressing gratitude to various scholars and institutions that have contributed to his research. He articulates his desire to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Roman plays by tracing their sources and literary heritage, ultimately setting the stage for further detailed discussions throughout the text.
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Shakespeare Jest-Books Reprints of the Early and Very Rare Jest-Books Supposed to Have Been Used by Shakespeare
"Shakespeare Jest-Books" by William Carew Hazlitt is a collection of early jest books, written in the mid-19th century. This work provides a reprint of rare jest books believed to have influenced Shakespeare, including "A Hundred Mery Talys" and "Mery Tales and Quicke Answers." The content reflects the humor of the time, characterized by anecdotes and tales that often involve clever wordplay or humorous situations involving various characters. The opening of this collection includes an introduction that details the historical significance of these jest books, highlighting their role in shedding light on Shakespearean references and the societal attitudes of the Elizabethan era. It introduces various tales, such as amusing exchanges between characters and comical situations that reveal aspects of human behavior and folly. Through anecdotes involving priests, wives, and other characters, the stories aim to entertain while providing moral lessons, immersing readers in a time when storytelling was a popular form of entertainment.
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Mirror for Magistrates, Volume 1
"Mirror for Magistrates, Volume 1" by Joseph Haslewood is a collection of English poems published in 1559. This Tudor-era work features various authors retelling the tragic downfalls of historical figures, conceived as a continuation of earlier medieval literature. The poems present ghosts examining their deeds in mirrors, offering warnings to magistrates and leaders who might learn from past errors. Initially suppressed for political reasons, the work evolved through multiple editions, shifting from critical assessments of recent history to celebrations of England's legendary past.
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Mirror for Magistrates, Volume 2, Part 1
"Mirror for Magistrates, Volume 2, Part 1" by Joseph Haslewood is an edition of a Tudor-period poetry collection. This work presents tragic tales of historical figures whose lives ended in downfall, conceived as a continuation of medieval exemplary literature. Various poets contributed poems told through the voices of ghosts examining their deeds in a mirror, offering warnings to magistrates and rulers. The collection evolved through multiple editions, shifting from politically contentious moral lessons drawn from recent English history to celebratory accounts of ancient British legends and national pride.
J. M. (John Mackinnon) Robertson
Montaigne and Shakspere
"Montaigne and Shakepere" by J. M. Robertson is an analytical work written in the late 19th century. This book explores the influences that the essays of Michel de Montaigne had on the works of William Shakespeare, specifically citing textual parallels and thematic connections between the two influential figures of literature. Robertson seeks to unravel the complexities of Shakespeare's growth as a playwright and philosopher through Montaigne's ideas. The opening of this work discusses the resurgence of Shakespearean studies and the noticeable gap in substantial examination of Montaigne's influence on Shakespeare's plays. Robertson notes that while traces of Montaigne’s ideas can be observed in Shakespeare's works, deeper systematic explorations have been limited and underappreciated. The author references previous scholars and their observations about specific passages in plays such as "The Tempest" and "Hamlet," positing that the philosophical undercurrents found in these texts are enriched by Montaigne's essays. He establishes a foundation for a more comprehensive exploration of how Montaigne’s insights might have shaped Shakespeare's reflections on themes such as human nature, existence, and morality.
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Mirror for Magistrates, Volume 2, Part 2
"Mirror for Magistrates, Volume 2, Part 2" by Joseph Haslewood is a collection of English poems from the Tudor period. Various authors retell the tragic lives of historical figures, presenting their stories as cautionary tales for those in power. The poems feature ghosts examining their own deeds before a mirror, reflecting on their fatal errors. Originally conceived to continue earlier medieval works, this politically contentious collection evolved through multiple editions, shifting from critical examinations of recent English nobility to celebratory accounts of legendary early Britons.
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