no longer Skakespeare. Still, a few corrections of apparent typographical errors in the old copies which had escaped observation, are suggested by the anonymous annotator, these shall have the attention due to them in the thoroughly revised text now printing; and I trust it will be found that much has been done towards its purification and amendment

The notes will contain all that is necessary to the elucidation of the Poet, either in the explanation of obsolete words, phrases, obscure sentences, or allusions to manners and customs, incidents and literature, of the Poet's times; avoiding alike prolixity and unsatisfactory conciseness. All variations from the old copies will be noticed, and the reasons for such variation stated. A Critical Essay from the pen of a learned and highly gifted friend will be appended to each play.

I have the satisfaction of knowing that the utility of my former Edition has been appreciated by our Transatlantic brethren, and that it has long been a favourite book in America, where, as well as in Germany, it has received the honour of more than one re-impression.

The accumulated experience of nearly thirty years will, I trust, enable me to render the New Edition still more worthy of public favour; but, above all, I hope to have the gratification of leaving the text of Shakespeare in a much more satisfactory state than I found it. S. W. SINGER.

Mickleham, March 1853.