How Long to Read Samuel Johnson on Shakespeare

By Edward Tomarken

How Long Does it Take to Read Samuel Johnson on Shakespeare?

It takes the average reader 3 hours and 43 minutes to read Samuel Johnson on Shakespeare by Edward Tomarken

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

Since the first appearance of Samuel Johnson's edition of Shakespeare's drama in 1765, its Preface has often been published separately, while the Notes have been treated as miscellaneous and fragmentary. As a result, few modern readers realize that the Notes in fact contain coherent interpretations of most of the plays and that many portions of the Preface are generalizations related to those readings. Scholars who have examined the Notes carefully have almost always used them in studies of larger issues, such as Johnson's morality or rhetoric. In this book, Edward Tomarken provides the first full-length study of the Notes to Shakespeare, showing how they raise issues of direct concern to modern critics and theoreticians. While referring to Johnson's notes on all the Shakespearean dramas, Tomarken focuses on eight plays--Henry IV, Troilus and Cressida, Twelfth Night, The Taming of the Shrew, King Lear, The Tempest, Hamlet, and Macbeth--to demonstrate the range of Johnson's editorial and critical abilities. Each chapter, devoted to a single play, moves from the particular to the general-from specific remarks about the play in the Notes, to related theoretical statements in the Preface, and finally to an axiom of literary theory. Ranging from a formulation concerning ideology in criticism to a reconsideration of aesthetic empathy, these axioms are, Tomarken contends, essential to literary criticism as a discipline and manifest Johnson's relevance to modern criticism. The conception of criticism that emerges in this book goes well beyond the theoretical premises of the eighteenth century. Tomarken submits that the ethical dimension of criticism-the moral aspect so fundamental to Johnson but so foreign to modern critics-can point to a way of mediating between the ideological differences that have become so divisive in modern criticism and theory.

How long is Samuel Johnson on Shakespeare?

Samuel Johnson on Shakespeare by Edward Tomarken is 222 pages long, and a total of 55,944 words.

This makes it 75% the length of the average book. It also has 68% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Samuel Johnson on Shakespeare Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 5 hours and 5 minutes to read Samuel Johnson on Shakespeare aloud.

What Reading Level is Samuel Johnson on Shakespeare?

Samuel Johnson on Shakespeare is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Samuel Johnson on Shakespeare?

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