The Family Shakespeare, By Thomas Bowdler

This is a facsimile reprint of the second edition of Bowdler’s famous collection of Shakespeare’s plays, first published in 1820. Following the first edition, which was most likely edited by his sister, Thomas Bowdler completed this collection himself. His practice of expurgating material he deemed improper or offensive—especially to the perceived delicate sensibilities of women and children—became synonymous with this type of censorship. He believed his ‘bowdlerized’ Shakespeare was more appropriate to grace the libraries of British families of the period. His edition remained popular throughout the Victorian age and was published in many different editions. This second edition includes Bowdler’s introductory notes to some of the plays and is generally considered to be his best work.