Shakespeare's Insomnia, and the Causes Thereof   By: Franklin H. (Franklin Harvey) Head (1832-1914)

Franklin H. Head's Shakespeare's Insomnia, and the Causes Thereof is a fascinating exploration of a topic that has seldom been given the attention it deserves: the sleepless nights that plagued the Bard himself. Head delves deep into the life and works of William Shakespeare, unearthing a multitude of references to insomnia scattered throughout his plays and sonnets.

The book begins with a comprehensive analysis of insomnia and its psychological and physiological effects. Head's detailed explanations of the various causes of sleeplessness, including stress, anxiety, and even medical conditions, provide an insightful foundation for understanding Shakespeare's own experiences. Armed with this knowledge, the author then embarks on a meticulous examination of the plays and poems, searching for literary clues that hint at the playwright's insomnia.

One of the book's notable strengths is Head's ability to seamlessly integrate Shakespeare's writings with historical contexts and personal anecdotes. Through careful scrutiny, he uncovers instances where insomnia manifests in the characters, shedding light on the impact it had on their actions and decisions. Furthermore, Head investigates the portrayal of night and dreamscapes in Shakespeare's works, expertly linking them to the playwright's own sleep struggles.

Head's writing style is accessible and engaging, making this scholarly work approachable for both Shakespeare enthusiasts and those with a general interest in the subject matter. His thorough research is evident throughout the book, with extensive footnotes providing additional sources for readers eager to explore further. The author's passion for his subject matter shines through, adding an infectious enthusiasm to the narrative.

If there is any criticism to be leveled at Head's work, it would be his occasional tendency to stray from the central theme. While the tangential discussions are undoubtedly interesting, they can at times distract from the primary focus of Shakespeare's insomnia. Nonetheless, this can easily be forgiven considering the richness and depth of the material covered.

Shakespeare's Insomnia, and the Causes Thereof is a thought-provoking and meticulously-researched exploration of a facet of the famous playwright's life that has often been overlooked. Franklin H. Head does an excellent job of intertwining literature, history, and psychology, unearthing an intriguing connection between Shakespeare's sleeplessness and his literary masterpieces. For anyone with an interest in Shakespeare or insomnia, this book is a must-read, offering a fresh perspective on the celebrated playwright and shedding light on a subject that remains as relevant today as it was in the Elizabethan era.

First Page:

Insomnia, the lack of "tired Nature's sweet restorer," is rapidly becoming the chronic terror of all men of active life who have passed the age of thirty five or forty years. In early life, while yet he "wears the rose of youth upon him," man rarely, except in sickness, knows the want of sound, undreaming sleep. But as early manhood is left behind and the cares and perplexities of life weigh upon him, making far more needful than ever the rest which comes only through unbroken sleep, this remedial agent cannot longer be wooed and won. Youth would "fain encounter darkness as a bride and hug it in his arms." To those of riper years the "blanket of the dark" often ushers in a season of terrors, a time of fitful snatches of broken sleep and of tormenting dreams; of long stretches of wakefulness; of hours when all things perplexing and troublesome in one's affairs march before him in sombre procession: in endless disorder, in labyrinths of confusion, in countless new phases of disagreeableness; and at length the morning summons him to labor, far more racked and weary than when he sought repose... Continue reading book >>