Collections: ShakespeareInstitute - Manuscripts and Correspondence - Elizabeth Robinson Montagu Essay 1769
An Essay on the Writings and Genius of Shakespear compared with the Greek and French Dramatic Poets with some remarks upon the misrepresentations of Monf. De Voltaire by Mrs Elizabeth Robinson Montagu (London: printed for J. Dodsley; Mess. Baker and Leigh; J. Walter; T. Cadell; and J. Wilkie, 1769). Mrs Montagu was the leader of the Bluestocking social and literary circle in the 18th century. This work, which coincided with the height of eighteenth-century bardolatry, defended Shakespeare against a previously famous published attack by French writer Voltaire, announcing Shakespeare as the greatest writer in any language. This is a copy of the first printing of the text.
