PREFACE. DR. ELZE'S work on " Shakespeare," of which a translation is herewith offered to the English public, was published in Germany as early as 1876, and has there passed through several editions. The edition from which the present translation has been made has been specially revised and improved by the author for the English version. Dr. Elze's work has won the reputation in Germany of giving the fullest information on everything that is known in connection with Shakespeare's life, his works, and his surroundings, together with a careful criticism of all the disputed points. It has been one of the author's endeavours to make his book a readable one in every way, and to retain his reader's attention from beginning to end by giving his information as far as possible in a consecutive narrative, without allowing this form in any way to affect the critical character to which his work may justly lay claim. English students of Shakespeare and his times cannot but be interested in seeing the results of Shakespearean study in Germany, and it is hoped that this lish literature, will be a welcome addition to our English works volume from one of the leading German interpreters of Eng on the subject. London, 1888. L. D. S. 34 |