When and where was George Steevens born?
George Steevens entered the world at Poplar on the 10th of May 1736. His father served as a captain and later became a director of the East India Company.
Questions about George Steevens
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What edition of Shakespeare plays did George Steevens edit between 1773 and 1785?
The resulting collaboration produced The Plays of Shakespeare with the Corrections and Illustrations of Various Commentators between 1773 and 1785. This ten-volume set included very slight contributions from Johnson himself.
Who challenged George Steevens editorial authority during the 1790s?
Edmond Malone became the primary rival who challenged Steevens editorial authority during the 1790s. Their professional rivalry centered on textual emendation and scholarly reputation.
How did George Steevens hoax the Society of Antiquaries?
He hoaxed the Society of Antiquaries with the tombstone of Hardicanute dug up in Kennington. The stone bore an Anglo-Saxon inscription of his own invention rather than historical truth.
Why did George Steevens exclude Shakespeare sonnets and poems from his editions?
He excluded Shakespeare sonnets and poems because he believed no act of parliament could force readers to study them. His wide knowledge of Elizabethan literature provided parallel passages for future editors.