Description
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare published by Oxford University Press in 1911 is a significant edition of the works of one of the most celebrated writers in English literature. Oxford University Press is known for producing high-quality, scholarly editions of classic texts, and their 1911 edition of Shakespeare’s works would have been no exception. This edition would have provided readers with a comprehensive collection of Shakespeare’s plays, sonnets, and other poems, with detailed editorial commentary and often an introduction providing historical context and analysis of his works.
Key Features of the 1911 Oxford Edition:
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Complete Collection: The edition would have included all of Shakespeare’s plays, divided into the categories of:
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Tragedies (e.g., Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet)
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Comedies (e.g., A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing, As You Like It)
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Histories (e.g., Richard III, Henry V, Julius Caesar)
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Romances (e.g., The Tempest, The Winter’s Tale, Pericles)
Additionally, Shakespeare’s sonnets and a selection of his narrative poems (such as Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece) would have been included.
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Textual Accuracy: The Oxford 1911 edition would have been based on the best available texts of the time, often referencing the First Folio (1623), the first collected edition of Shakespeare’s plays, and other early quartos and manuscripts. Scholars working on the edition would have paid close attention to the textual integrity of the works, with careful footnotes and annotations to explain obscure references and variants in the text.
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Editorial Notes and Commentary: This edition likely included scholarly commentary and footnotes to clarify the meaning of words, phrases, and cultural references that may have been obscure or difficult for a modern audience to understand. Editors would have also provided insights into the historical and social context of Shakespeare’s works, offering interpretations of character motivations, themes, and literary devices.
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Introduction and Analysis: The 1911 edition would have included an introduction discussing Shakespeare’s life, career, and the cultural significance of his works. There may also have been an exploration of the development of Shakespeare’s plays over time and an analysis of his literary techniques, such as his use of language, character development, and dramatic structure.
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Illustrations and Design: High-quality editions from Oxford often include attractive binding and sometimes illustrations or portraits of Shakespeare or scenes from the plays. The 1911 edition may have included engravings or prints that helped bring Shakespeare’s world to life for readers, making it a visually appealing volume.
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Comprehensive Index and Glossary: To aid readers, the edition would likely have included a detailed index to help locate specific themes, characters, or passages. Additionally, a glossary might have been included to explain archaic terms and idioms that were commonly used in Shakespeare’s time but have since fallen out of use.
Why the 1911 Edition of Shakespeare’s Works Matters:
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Scholarly Precision: The Oxford edition is recognized for its scholarly precision, which makes it a valuable resource for both casual readers and serious scholars. The editor’s aim was to preserve the linguistic beauty and integrity of Shakespeare’s text while ensuring clarity and understanding for contemporary readers.
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Historical Significance: The 1911 edition of Shakespeare’s complete works would have been part of a long tradition of collecting and publishing the works of Shakespeare, and it represents an important moment in the continued appreciation and study of his writing. By that time, Shakespeare had become an integral part of English literature curricula around the world.
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Collectibility: Due to the quality of production and historical significance, this edition would be highly valued by collectors and enthusiasts of Shakespeare. As part of a renowned series from Oxford University Press, it stands as a beautiful and important version of Shakespeare’s complete works.
Key Works in the Edition:
Some of the most beloved plays included in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare would be:
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Tragedies: Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar
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Comedies: Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merchant of Venice, Much Ado About Nothing
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Histories: Richard III, Henry IV, Henry V
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Romances: The Tempest, Cymbeline, The Winter’s Tale
