The Praise of Shakespeare: An English Anthology

This volume brings together a rich tapestry of admiration for one of English literature’s most celebrated voices. Across three centuries, critics, poets, and ordinary readers have left behind glowing verses, essays, and quotations that attest to his enduring appeal. The selections are arranged chronologically, allowing listeners to trace how praise evolved from the playwright’s own time to the modern era.

The introductory essay sets the stage by recalling a heated debate from the early twentieth‑century press, where doubts about the true author of the works sparked fierce controversy. Its compiler responded by gathering every early commendation he could find, demonstrating that Shakespeare’s genius was recognized and celebrated long before any modern skepticism arose. As a result, the anthology not only showcases heartfelt tributes but also offers a clear picture of how literary taste and critical standards have shifted over the ages.