New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1858-09-25

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The debt, which the literature OF America owes
to British scholarship. has been in part repaid oy
the hbors Of some OF is mo-t cultivated writers on
the immortal dramatic poet Of the mother country.
The love of Shakespeare i portion Of the birth
right Of every Englishlnsn; and With - man,
other precious elements Of our new civilization,
hrs been transmitted 10 the possessor' Of the same
blood On foreign soil. We doubt indeed.
whether more genial appreciation Of the bright,
particular star Of English poetry .s anywhere
cherished than around the household hesrths Of the
Eurcprsn-A American race. Nor Is the enthusiasm
for tie British bard limited TO the popular perusa
81 his writings How many Of the most exalted
minds, ike those of Judge Marshall and DR.. Chan
ming. for instance, have acknowledged the Innu-
enc. of Shakespeare s. among the most valuable
elem. ate Of their cultivation. With this Unborn
American taste, it is not surprising that the works
Of the poe, should have tempted the devotion Of
some Of our most eminent sholsrs. Mr.. VerPaack
has brouch: the treasures Of various and reconcile
learning, with no common share of critical ssgsel-
". TO the illustration of Shakespeare. Following
IN the same direction, but striking out new path
Mr. Hudson has enriched the literature OF
language With the fruits OF his studies, mastering
the difficulties of tha poet With wonderful ingenu-
~, seizng the spirit Of bis Characterization with
kindred subtlety, and in s;ngulsrly nervous sud
rscy style presenting some Of the finest specimens
of critical analysis of which any modern writer
can boast.
Mr. Grant White has certainly had distinguished
pioneers iii the enticing field, 20 which, il is under
stood, be has dedicated the studies OF many years.
Ills position is ole which courts inevitable compar
son. Nothing but complete success could redeem
h.s enterprise from the stigma OF failure. In the
sight Of signal excellence, regard could be
challenged for polished medccrity. He has
evidently entered upon his task with the conscious
ness OF IFS high conditions; and in view OF the
obstaclr. 70 admirable achievement, for the manner
in v hch Le ha acquitted himself, he - entitled to
double share Of coLgrstuation.
AZ Shakespearisn critic, Mr.. White is to be
corIm, nded quite such for his retcence as for is
positive sfirrnaiicns. He is sngularly free from all
faint 81 pedantry-wi;h rich store of the learning
of the school. and obvious passion for antiquarian
lore, lie does lot indulge in the needless DISGUISE
tons with which verba critics are apt 10 oyeray
their woik-he avoids the endless Eeanderings
around TIE heart OF subject which tempt the lover
Of Shakespeare to forswcar I'll committeeman
mainly intent on relieving the difficulties Of the
sincere student, meets the case in point with only
tie few pregnant words taat are necessary for its
calculation. How different, in Ihis respect, froma
large portion of the critical tribe who have mad,
tie writings Of Shakespeare their prey. OF whom il
is difficult to say whether stupidity, tediousress, or
bad TASTE is The predominant Characteristic
Mr.. o hites method is distinguished, also, by is
union Of Il scholarly tone with excellent common
sense. He familiarity with elegant literature might
have tempted linn 10 superlul'y OF illustration
tie had ali excellent opportunity 10 show of his
learning by abundance of comparisons. But he
deals little in ingenious parallels. He consults the
usaee Ut language for the meaning OF the poet, ani
where pas-agc- have become darkened by age,
trusts to the sound instincts OF scholarship rather
than 10 any CJt-of theway, iar-fe.ched reiinements
More than al, his mind is nbued with The spirit
Of the writer. of whom b, Processes TO be merely
the docile scholar. This is worth more than
any ploidirg diligence, thsn any skill in verbal nice
ties. His soul is sttuned To the melodies of the
poet, and he is thus enabled hen the sweet bells
are "jsrgled. 10 restore their mi.sic Not that
he relies on al; Inspiration Of sympathy to escape
the ssity OF studious toll. Ever poge of his
work indicates fastiiious preparation. Every page
has that finished lcok which bc;rays no lc.- the
siduiiy OF the student than the enthusiasm OF the
poet.
Eu; il is right that We should give our readers
distinct idea OF the plan which has guided Mr. White
in tie execution of this edition. First of the text
no small matter with he varieties Of reading.
Which IN Shakespeare are nearly equal Ia those of
The Bible his Is based exclusively tie original
folio ,duon OF 1913. H. the first instance, the text
OF that edition followed as il it had been the
OILY one in existence. The next step was 70 make
the most effective Use eli subsequent editions In
orGer 10 profit by them to the greatest extent,
every pssssge was cOlated with the reading, of
every subsequent editCr aud also with the notes %
every commentator. The ssmc thing can be- said
OF only two editions published in this century;
namely. that of Nr. knight ard that of Mr.. Collier.
No deviation has been made from the text of the
frst folio without reasons that had as nearly the
force OF demonstration rs was permitted by thu
nature of the cai. With this guaranty OF sn
authentic text the edition is adapted TO lie wants
both OF tie critical student of Shakespeare aud the
cur-Ory reader.
Next. of the notes. Here discretion is the
better pat Of valor." TIE editor has bad IN view
rsrious Glasses OF readers, and la. distributed
h. lahors with excellent judgment. H. hiss con-
n.cuted on many expressions which are clear 10 the