23 APRIL 1870, Page 21

We have to acknowledge a very handsome edition of Shakespeare's

Works, 3 vols. (Cassell and Co.) It has been annotated by Charles and Mary Cowden Clarke, two well-known labourers on the text of Shake- speare, and illustrated by the pencil of Mr. H. C. Selma. The editors have followed the plan of " Bowdlerizing " the poet, though not with so unsparing a hand as the original Dowdier used. In particular, they omit the whole of the play of Titus Andronicus, without much loss, it must be confessed, to the reader, though we cannot coincide with

the very low estimate of its value which is expressed in the preface. Beyond all question there is a large, if silly, public which asks for these editions, which puts Shakespeare pure and simple under a taboo, and their wants can be supplied at a profit. The notes seem sufficient with- out falling into that common sin of commentators, lengthiness.