Edward Ravenscroft

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

• 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.