This early work by James Halliwell-Phillipps was originally published in
1841 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introductory
biography. 'An Introduction to Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream' is
a work of literary criticism on one of Shakespeare's most famous plays.
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.