The Critics Versus Shakspere A Brief for the Defendant By: Francis Asbury Smith (1837-1915)
In "The Critics Versus Shakspere: A Brief for the Defendant," author Francis Asbury Smith sets out to defend the legitimacy and authorship of William Shakespeare's works against the skepticism and doubts of his contemporary critics. With a compelling argument, extensive research, and a wealth of historical evidence, Smith brings forth a powerful defense that successfully challenges and dismantles the arguments put forward by those who question the true identity of the world's most celebrated playwright. Smith's book begins by exploring the history of the controversy surrounding Shakespeare's authorship, dating back to the late 19th century. He takes on each major argument against Shakespeare's authorship, methodically breaking them down and presenting well-reasoned counterarguments. From suggestions that Shakespeare was a pseudonym used by another author to theories that claim the works were created by a secret group or even a cipher, Smith dissects each claim with scholarly precision. One of the strengths of Smith's book lies in his extensive research. He meticulously analyzes the multitude of existing evidence supporting Shakespeare's authorship, including original manuscripts, historical documents, theatrical records, and contemporary references to Shakespeare as a playwright. By presenting these sources in a succinct and logical manner, Smith effectively debunks the arguments of the anti-Shakespeare camp. What sets "The Critics Versus Shakspere" apart is Smith's ability to make the dense subject matter accessible to a wide range of readers. Despite its scholarly nature, the book is written in a clear and understandable style, making it an engaging and enjoyable read for both Shakespeare enthusiasts and those with a casual interest in the topic. Smith's passion for the subject matter shines through, further captivating readers and encouraging them to reevaluate their doubts and biases. This defense of Shakespeare's authorship is a much-needed antidote to the fear-driven skepticism that has clouded the appreciation of his works for far too long. Smith's meticulous research and persuasive arguments offer a comprehensive and compelling case that Shakespeare was indeed the author of his own plays. This book will undoubtedly serve as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, helping to solidify the legacy of William Shakespeare as one of the greatest literary figures in history. First Page: Transcriber's note Archaic and variable spelling has been preserved. Minor punctuation errors have been changed without notice. Printer errors have been changed and are listed at the end of this book. THE CRITICS Versus SHAKSPERE A BRIEF FOR THE DEFENDANT By FRANCIS A. SMITH The Knickerbocker Press New York 1907 COPYRIGHT, 1907 BY FRANCIS A. SMITH THE CRITICS versus SHAKSPERE A BRIEF FOR DEFENDANT. By FRANCIS A. SMITH, of Counsel. Many years ago, I was retained in the great case of THE CRITICS AGAINST SHAKSPERE, the most celebrated on the calendar of history during three centuries. Unlike other cases, it has been repeatedly decided, and as often reopened and reheard before the most eminent judges, who have again and again non suited the plaintiffs. Appeals have availed nothing to reverse those decisions. New actions have been brought on the ground of newly discovered evidence; counsel have summed up the testimony from all lands, from whole libraries and literatures, and the great jury of mankind have uniformly rendered a verdict of no cause of action. Ben Jonson said that Shakspere "wanted art"; the highest appellate court decided that "Lear" was a greater work than Euripides or Sophocles ever produced... Continue reading book >>

The Critics Versus Shakspere A Brief for the Defendant By: Francis Asbury Smith (1837-1915)

In "The Critics Versus Shakspere: A Brief for the Defendant," author Francis Asbury Smith sets out to defend the legitimacy and authorship of William Shakespeare's works against the skepticism and doubts of his contemporary critics. With a compelling argument, extensive research, and a wealth of historical evidence, Smith brings forth a powerful defense that successfully challenges and dismantles the arguments put forward by those who question the true identity of the world's most celebrated playwright.

Smith's book begins by exploring the history of the controversy surrounding Shakespeare's authorship, dating back to the late 19th century. He takes on each major argument against Shakespeare's authorship, methodically breaking them down and presenting well-reasoned counterarguments. From suggestions that Shakespeare was a pseudonym used by another author to theories that claim the works were created by a secret group or even a cipher, Smith dissects each claim with scholarly precision.

One of the strengths of Smith's book lies in his extensive research. He meticulously analyzes the multitude of existing evidence supporting Shakespeare's authorship, including original manuscripts, historical documents, theatrical records, and contemporary references to Shakespeare as a playwright. By presenting these sources in a succinct and logical manner, Smith effectively debunks the arguments of the anti-Shakespeare camp.

What sets "The Critics Versus Shakspere" apart is Smith's ability to make the dense subject matter accessible to a wide range of readers. Despite its scholarly nature, the book is written in a clear and understandable style, making it an engaging and enjoyable read for both Shakespeare enthusiasts and those with a casual interest in the topic. Smith's passion for the subject matter shines through, further captivating readers and encouraging them to reevaluate their doubts and biases.

This defense of Shakespeare's authorship is a much-needed antidote to the fear-driven skepticism that has clouded the appreciation of his works for far too long. Smith's meticulous research and persuasive arguments offer a comprehensive and compelling case that Shakespeare was indeed the author of his own plays. This book will undoubtedly serve as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, helping to solidify the legacy of William Shakespeare as one of the greatest literary figures in history.

First Page:

Transcriber's note

Archaic and variable spelling has been preserved. Minor punctuation errors have been changed without notice. Printer errors have been changed and are listed at the end of this book.

THE CRITICS

Versus

SHAKSPERE

A BRIEF FOR THE DEFENDANT

FRANCIS A. SMITH

The Knickerbocker Press New York 1907

FRANCIS A. SMITH

THE CRITICS versus SHAKSPERE

A BRIEF FOR DEFENDANT.

By FRANCIS A. SMITH, of Counsel.

Many years ago, I was retained in the great case of THE CRITICS AGAINST SHAKSPERE, the most celebrated on the calendar of history during three centuries. Unlike other cases, it has been repeatedly decided, and as often reopened and reheard before the most eminent judges, who have again and again non suited the plaintiffs. Appeals have availed nothing to reverse those decisions. New actions have been brought on the ground of newly discovered evidence; counsel have summed up the testimony from all lands, from whole libraries and literatures, and the great jury of mankind have uniformly rendered a verdict of no cause of action.

Ben Jonson said that Shakspere "wanted art"; the highest appellate court decided that "Lear" was a greater work than Euripides or Sophocles ever produced... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
History
Literature

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