A. C. Bradley (1851–1935)

Very hard to overstate how much this book helped turn Shakespeare and his works into a vital part of my life. From the Introduction to the last page, one of the books you must own to help you on your journey into the world of the plays.

Brother of the English idealist philosopher F.H. Bradley, the author is perhaps better known for his collection of critical essays on Shakespearean tragedy, particularly his commentary on King Lear. The style of writing is not easy to follow, and must be unpacked, which was typical of Victorian texts. Bradley's criticism of the poetic process is generally sublime as the essays do not seem to have clear demarcations.

two general lerctures, one on Hegel, , one shjelley, one Wordworsworth, one "Long Poem in the Age of Wordsworth" one Keats and four Shakespeare. For me the most intersting are the one on "The Rejection of Falstaff" and "Shakespeare's Theatre and Audience." I agree with his enthusiasm for Falstaff though not his criticism of Henry V.

This book holds up well. I like his take on Hamlet.