Examines the impact of Shakespeare and his works on biographers, critics, actors, directors, theatregoers, and moral philosophers. The author distinguishes between what is known about Shakespeare and what is said about him, exploring the misconceptions of Shakespeare's modern interpreters. His judgments are gentle, but often devastating. This book entertains as it corrects, supplying all those professionals and amateurs interested in the plays a guide to the difference between Shakespeare and the centuries of interpretations that now lie upon him.