The book explores how Shakespeare's works were curated and edited in print from "summary" of Shakespeare and the Book by David Scott Kastan,George M Bodman Professor of English David Scott Kastan
Shakespeare's works have been subject to a process of curation and editing in print that has shaped the way we engage with his texts. This process involves decisions about which plays and poems to include in editions, how to order them, and how to present them on the page. These decisions have a significant impact on how Shakespeare is read and interpreted by audiences. Editors play a crucial role in this process, as they make choices about which versions of the plays and poems to use as the basis for their editions. They must navigate a complex textual tradition, which includes multiple early printed editions, manuscript sources, and editorial interventions. Their goal is to produce a text that is faithful to Shakespeare's intentions while also making the works accessible to contemporary readers. The history of Shakespeare editing is a rich and varied one, with different editors bringing their own perspectives and priorities to the task. Some editors have sought to present a "definitive" text of Shakespeare's works, while others have embraced the idea of multiple versions and textual variants. Each approach has its own implications for how we understand Shakespeare's texts and the authorial authority behind them. The book delves into the ways in which Shakespeare's works have been shaped by the material conditions of their production and circulation. From the early quartos and folios to modern critical editions, the physical form of the book has influenced how Shakespeare is read and performed. Printers, publishers, and booksellers have all played a role in shaping the reception of Shakespeare's works over time. By examining the history of Shakespeare editing, we gain insight into the ways in which his works have been mediated and interpreted by successive generations. The book invites us to consider how the medium of print has influenced our understanding of Shakespeare and his enduring literary legacy.
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