The afterlife of Shakespeare's sonnets /

This extensively researched reception history of Shakespeare's sonnets extends for a period of more than 400 years. Kingsley-Smith (Univ. of Roehampton, UK) delved into manuscript and print editions to trace the life of Shakespeare's verse from near obscurity to modern times. She notes that because the sonnets were not included in the First Folio, their authorship was unclear, and the custom of circulation among friends led to varied interpretations and borrowings from the texts. The author looks at appreciation of the sonnets in specific critical moments, from years of unrecognized authorship to adaptations by the Cavaliers to the enthusiasm of the Romantics and Victorians. In the 19th century, a custom of reading biographically developed, and readers combed the sonnets for secret loves and other personal information, with specific focus on the "dark lady" and "Mr. W. H."; however, the 20th century saw critical reaction against this practice. Kingsley-Smith's fascinating and exhaustive exploration of literary taste invites serious students of Shakespeare into the world of audience participation and interpretation. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. --Sister Marie Hubert Kealy, emerita, Immaculata University