This early work by James Halliwell-Phillipps was originally published in
1860 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introductory
biography. 'A Dictionary of Old English Plays' is a list of works from
the earliest times to the end of the 17th century. James Orchard
Halliwell-Phillipps was born on 21st June 1820, in London, England.
Halliwell-Phillipps was privately educated at Jesus College, Cambridge,
where he became intensely interested in the subject of antiquarian
English literature. He began publishing works in the field at a very
young age, including editing Sir John Mandeville's 'Travels' (1839), and
writing an 'Account of the European Manuscripts in the Chetham Library'
(1842). His love of literature was accompanied by a passion for all
things Shakespearian, producing several publications on 'The Bard' and
his works, such as 'Life of Shakespeare' (1848), 'Curiosities of Modern
Shakespeare Criticism' (1853), and 'The Last Days of William
Shakespeare' (1863). He also took a key role in protecting the
historical Shakespearian sites in Stratford-Upon-Avon, Shakespeare's
town of birth.