author
W. J. (William James) Rolfe
1827–1910
Best known for making Shakespeare approachable for students and general readers, this American educator and editor spent decades turning classic literature into clear, useful school editions. He also wrote popular travel and reference books, showing the same gift for practical, lively guidance.
2 Audiobooks
The Heavens Above: A Popular Handbook of Astronomy
by J. A. (Joseph Anthony) Gillet, W. J. (William James) Rolfe
Shakespeare the Boy With Sketches of the Home and School Life, Games and Sports, Manners, Customs and Folk-lore of the Time
by W. J. (William James) Rolfe
About the author
Born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, on December 10, 1827, William James Rolfe was an American educator, editor, and Shakespearean scholar. He studied at Amherst College and went on to teach in Maryland before serving as head master of high schools in Dorchester, Lawrence, Salem, and Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Rolfe became especially well known for his editions of Shakespeare, prepared with introductions, notes, and glossaries that helped generations of students read the plays with confidence. He also edited Popular Science News and wrote other widely used books, including A Satchel Guide for the Vacation Tourist in Europe.
Later in life, he served as president of Emerson College from 1903 to 1908. He died on July 7, 1910, and is remembered as a lively, practical literary guide who helped bring Shakespeare into everyday classrooms.