This work investigates the historical reception and critical interpretation of William Shakespeare's plays and poems from the seventeenth century through the nineteenth century. Brian Vickers, a distinguished scholar of English literature, compiles and analyzes a vast array of contemporary responses to Shakespeare's work. By examining these primary sources, the book argues that the evolution of Shakespeare's reputation is inextricably linked to the changing cultural and aesthetic values of each successive era.

Scholars and students of English literature frequently cite this series as a foundational resource for understanding the history of Shakespearean reception. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which provides an exhaustive look at how critical standards have evolved over time.