Audiobook Preface to Shakespeare

Samuel Johnson approaches the works of William Shakespeare through the rigorous lens of observation and experience, arguing that literary excellence must be tested by time rather than abstract rules. He contends that Shakespeare succeeds above all modern writers because he is the poet of nature, creating characters that are species rather than mere individuals, speaking the language of common life rather than theatrical artifice.

At the same time, Johnson refuses to indulge in uncritical veneration, enumerating serious defects in the plays. He points out that the author often sacrifices moral purpose to convenience, leaves plots loosely constructed and neglected toward the conclusion, and frequently allows a fondness for quibbles to interrupt moments of genuine terror and pity.

Addressing the traditional rules of drama, Johnson mounts a defense against the strictures of classical critics regarding the unities of time and place. He argues that audiences are never truly deceived into believing a stage is reality, and therefore the rigid observance of unities is an artificial restraint that sacrifices the natural variety and instruction of the drama.

Johnson examines the historical context of Elizabethan England, noting the primitive state of the English stage and the lack of polished native models when Shakespeare began writing. Despite these difficulties and the author's own indifference to future fame, Shakespeare introduced character and dialogue to the English stage and carried them to their utmost height.

The volume concludes with selected notes on several major plays, including Measure for Measure, Henry the Fourth, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Othello. In these annotations, Johnson applies his principles of textual criticism, explaining difficult passages, defending or correcting the emendations of previous editors, and offering judicial observations on the dramatic effectiveness of specific scenes.