Edward Ravenscroft

thumb|Edward Ravenscroft Edward Ravenscroft (c. 1654 – 1707) was an English dramatist. He was the first critic to posit that Shakespeare's play Titus Andronicus was not originally written by him, but that he rather provided "some Master-touches" to an already extant piece. This position is now known as the "Ravenscroft tradition" within literary circles. Quotes But for a Woman to kiss and tell; Oh la! The London Cuckolds (1682), act V, scene i (Arabella) I think it a greater theft to Rob the dead of their Praise, then the Living of their Money. Preface to Titus Andronicus, or The Rape of Lavinia (1686); quoted in The Shakespeare Allusion-Book: A Collection of Allusions to Shakespeare from 1591-1700, vol 2, ed. John Munro (1932). I have been told by some anciently conversant with the Stage, that it was not Originally his, but brought by a private Author to be Acted and he only gave some Master-touches to one or two of the Principal Parts or Characters; this I am apt to believe, because 'tis the most incorrect and indigested piece in all his Works, It seems rather a heap of Rubbish then a Structure. Preface to Titus Andronicus, or The Rape of Lavinia (1686); quoted in The Shakespeare Allusion-Book: A Collection of Allusions to Shakespeare from 1591-1700, vol 2, ed. John Munro (1932). This I did to prevent expences, for ... a penny sav'd, is a penny got. The Canterbury Guests: or, A Bargain Broken (1695), act II, scene iv External links Category:Playwrights from England Category:1650s births Category:1707 deaths