The popularity of Rolfe's Shakespeare has been extraordinary. Since
its first publication in 1870-83 it has been used more widely, both
in schools and colleges, and by the general reading public, than any
similar edition ever issued. It is to-day the standard annotated
edition of Shakespeare for educational purposes.
¶ As teacher and lecturer Dr. Rolfe has been constantly in touch
with the recent notable advances made in Shakespearian investigation
and criticism; and this revised edition he has carefully adjusted to
present conditions.
¶ The introductions and appendices have been entirely rewritten, and
now contain the history of the plays and poems; an account of the
sources of the plots, with copious extracts from the chronicles and
novels from which the poet drew his material; and general comments by
the editor, with selections from the best English and foreign criticism.
¶ The notes are very full, and include all the historical, critical,
and illustrative material needed by the teacher, as well as by the
student, and general reader. Special features in the notes are the
extent to which Shakespeare is made to explain himself by parallel
passages from his works; the frequent Bible illustrations; the full
explanations of allusions to the manners and customs of the period; and
descriptions of the localities connected with the poet's life and works.
¶ New notes have also been substituted for those referring to other
volumes of the edition, so that each volume is now absolutely complete
in itself. The form of the books has been modified, the page being made
smaller to adjust them to pocket use.
AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY
(S. 97)