Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1863 edition. Excerpt: ...of Henry VIII., a lighted match fell upon the floor, which was covered with straw-matting, the building took fire, and was soon reduced to ashes; but it was rebuilt in the following year. It was when Shakespeare was proprietor of the Globe that he afforded Ben Jonson the opportunity of earning a name as a dramatic author; they were friends, and had many keen encounters of their tongues at the "Triple Tuna" and elsewhere in the Borough. Ben Jonson sneered at Shakespeare's little Latin and less Greek--a reproach which at present would not be much felt if every author knew even as much of those languages as Shakespeare did. And Schlegel says that "Shakespeare knew Latin and something of Greek, though probably not enough to read Greek authors with ease in the original. With French and Italian he had a considerable acquaintance, and a very extensive knowledge of English books, original and translated." A biographer says: "Having a sobriety and moderation in his views of life remarkable for his age and profession, the great dramatist retired early with a respectable fortune of from 2001. to 3001. per annum--equivalent, perhaps, to 1000L a-year in our own day--and spent the remainder of his life in ease and retirement and in the conversation of his friends." His numerous works prove the industry of that fertile mind, that mine of thought whence he brought to light the choicest gems, the purest gold, rough from its native quartz. His town house was in Clink Street, where, doubtless, many of his works were written; and if Southwark had nought else to boast of but its communion with the mighty bard of Avon, who wrote 'not for an age, but for all time, ' it were more than enough to bestow on Southwark an imperishable memory. In spite of all my...
