An Epistle: Addressed to Sir Thomas Hanmer on his Edition of Shakespeare's Works

An Epistle is William Collins' poetic critique of Sir Thomas Hanmer's 1744 edition of Shakespeare's complete works. The poem engages directly with Hanmer's editorial choices and approach to Shakespeare's texts. The work takes the form of a verse letter, with Collins addressing Hanmer throughout while discussing Shakespeare's literary merits and the challenges of editing his plays. Collins examines specific editorial decisions and textual interpretations made in Hanmer's edition. Collins explores the complexities of Shakespearean scholarship and the responsibilities of those who attempt to present and preserve the Bard's works for future readers. The poem suggests broader questions about literary criticism, textual authority, and the relationship between poets and their editors. The piece serves as both a commentary on 18th-century Shakespeare scholarship and a meditation on the nature of poetic genius and its interpretation through time. Through his verse, Collins raises enduring questions about how classical works should be handled by modern editors.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of William Collins's overall work: Readers praise Collins' imaginative imagery and emotional depth in his odes, particularly "Ode to Evening." Many note his skillful balance of classical form with personal expression. On poetry forums, readers highlight his ability to create vivid natural scenes with minimal words. Readers appreciate: - Technical mastery of meter and rhyme - Atmospheric descriptions of nature - Influence on Romantic poetry - Compact yet powerful verses Common criticisms: - Dense classical references require extensive footnotes - Language can feel archaic and difficult - Small body of work leaves readers wanting more - Some poems feel overly formal or stilted On Goodreads, Collins' collected works average 3.8/5 stars across 120+ ratings. Individual poems like "Ode to Evening" rate higher at 4.2/5 stars. Poetry review sites and academic readers tend to rate him more favorably than casual readers. Several reviewers note that while challenging, his poems reward careful study and repeated readings. "Complex but worth the effort" summarizes many modern reader responses.

A Dissertation Upon Reading the Classics by Henry Felton This 18th-century treatise examines Shakespeare's works through the lens of classical literature and offers commentary on proper editing practices.

An Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope by Joseph Warton The text provides critical analysis of Alexander Pope's literary contributions while discussing Shakespeare's influence on English poetry.

Shakespeare's Verbal Art in Th'Expence of Spirit by Roman Jakobson This scholarly work dissects Shakespeare's sonnets through linguistic analysis and examines editorial choices in various publications.

Shakespeare and the Classical Tradition by John W. Velz The book traces connections between Shakespeare's works and classical literature while exploring different editorial approaches through centuries.

The Making of the English Literary Canon by Trevor Ross This historical study documents the development of literary criticism and editing practices in 18th-century England with focus on Shakespeare's works.

🎭 William Collins wrote this poetic tribute to Sir Thomas Hanmer in 1743 when he was only 22 years old and still a student at Oxford University. 📚 The epistle praises Hanmer's edition of Shakespeare's works while also criticizing Lewis Theobald, another Shakespeare editor whom Collins considered inferior. 🖋️ Despite being one of Collins' earliest published works, the poem demonstrates his masterful command of heroic couplets, a style popularized by Alexander Pope. 👑 Sir Thomas Hanmer, the subject of the epistle, was a Speaker of the House of Commons who published his luxurious six-volume edition of Shakespeare's works in 1743-44. 🎨 The original publication featured elaborate decorative elements and was printed at the Oxford University Press, making it one of the most visually impressive Shakespeare editions of its time.