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Shakespeare's texts were profoundly influenced by the medium of print from "summary" of Shakespeare and the Book by David Scott Kastan,George M Bodman Professor of English David Scott Kastan

Shakespeare's plays were not intended to be solely read as texts, but were meant to be performed on stage. However, the printing press played a significant role in shaping how his works were disseminated and ultimately perceived by audiences. The medium of print allowed for Shakespeare's plays to reach a wider audience than ever before, as they could be reproduced and circulated more easily than handwritten manuscripts. The process of printing also introduced the possibility of errors and variations in the text, as typesetters and compositors were responsible for setting the type and arranging the pages. These variations could lead to different interpretations of the plays, as different editions might contain different readings or stage directions. Printers also had to make decisions about which plays to include in their publications, which could impact which works were considered canonical or important. Additionally, the physical format of printed books influenced how Shakespeare's works were experienced by readers. The division of the plays into acts and scenes, as well as the inclusion of character lists and annotations, helped to guide readers through the text and provide context for the action. The use of title pages and frontispieces also helped to advertise the plays and establish Shakespeare as a prominent literary figure. Furthermore, the commercial nature of the printing industry meant that publishers often had to balance artistic integrity with financial concerns. This could result in the censorship or alteration of certain aspects of the plays in order to appeal to a wider audience or comply with societal norms. The medium of print thus had a profound impact on how Shakespeare's texts were presented and received by readers, influencing everything from the accuracy of the text to the marketing strategies used to promote the plays.
  1. The medium of print played a crucial role in shaping the reception and dissemination of Shakespeare's works. By considering the ways in which the printing press influenced the publication and reception of his plays, we can gain a deeper understanding of how the texts were interpreted and appreciated by audiences in Shakespeare's time and beyond.
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Shakespeare and the Book

David Scott Kastan

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