ABSTRACT

First published in 1957. This edition reprints the second edition of 1962.

The originality, vitality and variety of Shakespeare's comedies do not suggest a writer at ease with a formula which works to his own satisfaction and the pleasure of his audience; against first impressions they suggest an artist seeking to express an idea which is always eluding a completely developed presentation. The second edition of this book contains an extensive new chapter on Pericles, Cymbeline, The Winter's Tale and The Tempest.

chapter Chapter I|16 pages

The Implicit Judgement

chapter Chapter II|18 pages

Experiments in Comedy

chapter Chapter III|37 pages

Love's Wealth and the Judgement of The Merchant of Venice

chapter Chapter V|36 pages

Love's Order and the Judgement of As You Like It

chapter Chapter VI|23 pages

Twelfth Night or What You Will

chapter Chapter VIII|4 pages

The Criticism of Shakespeare's Early and Mature Comedies

chapter Chapter IX|48 pages

The Life of the Last Comedies