Guest Poet Ben Jonson: To the Reader. Try Again.

Banner - Jonson ending of FF preface To the Reader

04 March 2017
· Jonson’s second attempt at his First Folio introduction ·

Ben saw my previous post about the First Folio.

Told me he’s always been disappointed by the “stunning obtuseness” of nearly everyone who’s ever read what he penned for the book.

I especially apologise for all the trouble that preface has caused. I really thought they’d get it. How was I to know they’d need hit over the head with bed slats? Perhaps this will help.

Perhaps.

First Folio title page, fixed by the author - Shakespeare First Folio auction result

A little easier to read:

P001 image - Jonson Folio introduction rewrite

And in case you need to refer to the original:

First Folio preface To the Reader by Ben Jonson - Jonson Folio introduction rewrite

I didn’t bring up the subject of his elegy. Postlife is too short.

Additional Bed Slats:

  • The Graver’s Strife, about Martin Droeshout and his infamous image of Willy. Posted 26 April 2019.

VERO NIHIL VERIUS