Note 19:1 — SOME NOTES ON SHAKESPEARE’S REPUTATION
Reading edition
Johnson several times expresses himself in a like spirit in his Rambler:
“It may be doubtful whether from all his successors more maxims of theoretical knowledge, or more rules of practical prudence, can be collected than he alone has given to his country.”—Works, v. 131.
“He that has read Shakespeare with attention will, perhaps, find little new in the crowded world.”—Ib. 434.
“Let him that is yet unacquainted with the powers of Shakespeare, and who desires to feel the highest pleasure that the drama can give, read every play, from the first scene to the last, with utter negligence of all his commentators. When his fancy is on the wing, let it not stoop at correction or explanation.”—Ib. 152.