An Essay on the Writings and Genius of Shakespear, compared with the Greek and French dramatic poets. With some remarks upon the misrepresentations of Mons. de Voltaire.

(MONTAGU, Elizabeth)

Published by Printed for J. Dodsley, Pall-Mall; Mess. Baker and Leigh, York-Street, Covent-Garden; J. Walter, Charing-Cross; T. Cadell, in the Strand; and J. Wilkie, No 71. St. Paul's Church-Yard. 1769, 1769

About this Item

[4], 288pp. 8vo. Crease to P8 & Q1. Full contemporary sprinkled calf, gilt floral borders, raised & gilt banded spine, red morocco label; wear to headcap, corner tips, upper inch of front joint cracked. ESTC T33417 notes a plate but this appears to be an anomaly. This work was written in response to Voltaire's criticism of Shakespeare, published as 'Sur la tragédie' in Lettres philosphiques (1734). Amongst other criticisms he denounced Shakespeare's mixture of verse and prose, and stated that Hamlet (which he had seen in London in the 1720s) was the work of a drunken savage.

Seller Inventory # 99733

Bibliographic Details

• Title: An Essay on the Writings and Genius of Shakespear, compared with the Greek and French dramatic poets. With some remarks upon the misrepresentations of Mons. de Voltaire.
• Publisher: Printed for J. Dodsley, Pall-Mall; Mess. Baker and Leigh, York-Street, Covent-Garden; J. Walter, Charing-Cross; T. Cadell, in the Strand; and J. Wilkie, No 71. St. Paul's Church-Yard. 1769
• Publication Date: 1769
• Binding: Hardcover
• Seller catalogs:
  • box four