Taming of the Shrew: First Quarto (Shakespearean Originals - First Editions)

This series, first published in 1992, aims to circulate annotated editions of early modern play-texts whose literary and theatrical histories have been overshadowed by editorial practices dominant since the eighteenth century. The text contained in this volume is not the one known as Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, as the modern editions of the play are all derived from the text printed in the 1623 First Folio edition of Shakespeare's works. Instead, the present text is an edition of the play published in 1594 under the title The Taming of a Shrew, which has never been attributed to Shakespeare and has been regarded as either an earlier version by another dramatist or a pirated and corrupt 'memorial reconstruction' of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.

The series aims to bring these lesser-known early modern play-texts back into circulation, providing readers with the opportunity to engage with works that have been marginalized by the dominant editorial practices of the past centuries. The text in this volume, though not the version of The Taming of the Shrew that has become the canonical text, offers a unique perspective on the early modern theatrical landscape and the diverse range of dramatic works that were produced during that period.

By presenting these annotated editions, the series hopes to challenge the conventional notions of authorship, textual authority, and the established canon of dramatic literature. The inclusion of the 1594 version of The Taming of a Shrew, for instance, prompts us to reconsider the relationship between the various early modern texts and the complex processes of textual transmission and adaptation that shaped the literary and theatrical history of this particular play.

The editorial practices that have privileged certain texts over others have often led to the neglect of important works that may offer valuable insights into the cultural, social, and artistic contexts of their time. This series seeks to redress this imbalance, providing readers with the opportunity to explore the diversity and richness of early modern dramatic literature.

By making these annotated editions widely available, the series aims to encourage further research and critical engagement with the lesser-known works of the early modern period. The inclusion of detailed annotations and scholarly commentary in these volumes can also serve as a valuable resource for students, scholars, and general readers interested in exploring the complexities of early modern drama and the evolving practices of textual editing and literary analysis.

In conclusion, this series represents a significant effort to bring to light the forgotten or marginalized play-texts of the early modern period, offering readers a fresh perspective on the rich tapestry of dramatic works that have shaped the literary and cultural heritage of that era. By challenging the established canon and expanding the boundaries of our understanding, the series contributes to the ongoing dialogue and exploration of early modern drama, inviting readers to engage with a more diverse and inclusive representation of the theatrical landscape of the time.

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