The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1883-10-05
New Publications.

"Mr. William Shakespeare's Comedies, Histo-
ries, Tragedies and Poems. . The Text newly edited
Richard Grant White. 8 volumes p mo. Bo ton:
Htughton. Milf Co. Qoring Short & Har-
mon) $3.50 per volume
Mr. Whites distinction as scholarly lover of
Sh4kespeare's works and a studious critic IS well
established. He has an honorable place in the
host of those who have made a profound study of
the works of the master mind among all who have
write in the English language. He has already
Published edition of the Poets works for schol-
airs; this is edition for all who wish as part of
their equipment in literature a complete, trust
worthy, convenient and pecuniarily cheap edition
In other words it is popula edition with the adj
vantage of Mr.. Whites careful editing, worthy a
place in any gentlemans library and not beyond
the ability of any lover of good books % rocure.
1t is not made popular by any slovenly work of
either edititor or printer, is it popularized by
illustrations more or less tit and attractive For a
from ispiece it has portrait engraved from the
Stratford bust and that is all of illustration.
The paper is thin but otherwise of good quality the
print is large enough for asy reaing andn all
spects the mechanical part of the work is excellent
and substantial, having the excellences which
readers have learned to expect from the Riverside
Press, and which we may be sure have not fallen
below the standard in an edition which is named
the Riverside Edition, and which the editor dedi-
Gates to the publisher The first volume has preface
in which Mr. White sets forth explicitly his pur-
pose in publishing this edition. end explains fully
what he has attempted and incidentally what he
has not attempted There is also life of Shakes
peare parrating in few pages all that is known of
his personal qualities and fortunes. To each play
there is prefxed brief account of it, telling where
the story was found when it was probably writ
ten, and briefly setting forth its pecuiarities and
relative Importance in the list of Shakespeare's
works. Glossarial and explanatory notes on the
text are placed at the foot of each page so that
the reader gains what information he needs for an
understanding of the significance of the text with
tie least interruption to his progress These
notes are fewer than might be expected and are
invariably brief The editor presents concisely the
results of his study to help the reader but he does
not distract or him with discussions, judging
that if he wants them he will seek tn m in other
editions prepared with special reference to the
wants of critical students of the text. The editor
himself can explain his purpose in making this edi-
tion quite as well another can and the following
passage from the preface is to the point.
This work was planned, and has been carefully
prepared, with the intention of presenting to the
public for the first time edition of Shakespeare's
plays and poems which, compact, compendi u.s. yet
easily readable and at very mo crate price should
give text edited with scrupulous care, and, with
the assistance OF all the critical apparatus that ex
lists for that purpose set for every fact KIN n with
regard TO the poet and his writing and add to this
notes explanatory Of every obsolete word or
unite thorough edit orial work and attractive ap-
pearance with convenience and cheapness
This it seems to us has been accomplished in an
admirable way, and the result is an edition Of
Shakespeare's works which will prove satisfactory
for the Libraries of intelligent readers of all classes