Modern Characters From Shakespear.
Alphabetically Arranged.
Printed for E. Johnson: London 1778
Original Heavily Worn Softcovers - Scarce Copy
"Modern Characters From Shakespear is an intriguing late-eighteenth-century literary curiosity, offering a distilled moral and psychological reading of Shakespeare's dramatic figures. Alphabetically arranged, the work extracts key passages and sentiments associated with individual characters, presenting them as moral exemplars, warnings, or reflections of human nature. Rather than retelling the plays, it reframes Shakespeare as a source of ethical observation, aligning closely with Enlightenment tastes for order, reason, and character analysis.
Printed in London in 1778 for E. Johnson of Ludgate-Hill, this edition represents a period when Shakespeare was increasingly mined for quotable wisdom and moral instruction. The typography and layout are characteristic of small-format Georgian pamphlet literature, designed for private reading and contemplation. The inclusion of quotations such as the Hamlet maxim on virtue and scorn underscores the book's didactic intent, positioning Shakespeare not only as a dramatist but as a guide to personal conduct and social understanding.
This example survives in its original soft paper wrappers, now heavily worn, with losses, edge chipping, and pronounced age toning throughout, all consistent with genuine eighteenth-century survival rather than later rebinding. Despite its fragile state, the text appears complete, making it a scarce and evocative survivor of early Shakespearean reception history. It would particularly appeal to collectors of early Shakespeareana, students of eighteenth-century literary criticism, and those drawn to authentic, untouched examples of Georgian print culture."
Heavy wear and some loss to original covers and spine as shown. First few pages with some edge curling. Some creasing and age toning to pages. Pages otherwise clean and well presented. A nice copy of an early Shakespeare work in good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
