Women and Shakespeare in the Eighteenth Century

'This compelling and original book enriches and complicates the history of Shakespeare's reputation. Fiona Ritchie expands traditional notions of literary criticism beyond the printed page to include play-going, patronage and performance, at the same time introducing new evidence of the range and depth of women's cultural work in the eighteenth century.' Elizabeth Eger, King's College London
'In a lively and engaging book Fiona Ritchie explores the construction of Shakespeare's reputation in the eighteenth century and the active and substantial role women played in this as performers, critics, editors and playgoers. This book provides an important contribution to the fields of Shakespeare and women's studies.' Antonia Forster, University of Akron
'In this groundbreaking book, Ritchie explores the role of eighteenth-century women in establishing Shakespeare as Britain's national playwright. … This volume is a fine addition to the scholarship on Shakespeare, theater history, and women's intellectual history. … Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty.' L. J. Larson, Choice
'This is an important intervention in studies of Shakespeare in the eighteenth century, and we are indebted to Ritchie for turning the spotlight on women. … Women and Shakespeare in the Eighteenth Century is hopefully just the beginning of a much needed conversation that problematizes all three categories: women, Shakespeare, and the eighteenth century. It raises a series of fascinating questions for future scholarship: were these radical adaptations really presented as and considered to be Shakespeare? How does women's engagement with Shakespeare - as actresses, as critics, as audiences - change over the course of the eighteenth century? And how did their engagement with Shakespeare differ from other canonical authors?' Elaine McGirr, The Review of English Studies