Of Philosophers and Kings: Political Philosophy in Shakespeare's Macbeth and King Lear

by Leon Harold Craig

This innovative work argues that Shakespeare was as great a philosopher as he was a poet, and that his greatness as a poet derived even more from his power as a thinker than from his genius for linguistic expression. Accordingly, Leon Craig's interpretation of the plays - focusing primarily on Macbeth and King Lear, but including extensive comments on Othello, The Winter's Tale, and Measure for Measure - are intended to demonstrate what can be gained from reading Shakespeare 'philosophically.' Shakespeare, Craig argues, had a persistent fascination with the relationship between politics and philosophy, and even more precisely, with the idea of a philosophical ruler. Macbeth and King Lear are given detailed exposition for the special light they cast on tensions between philosophy and politics, knowledge and power. They show how the pursuit of an adequate understanding of certain practical issues - transient yet recurring - necessarily leads to considerations that far transcend the particular circumstances in which these practical problems arise. Metaphysics, cosmology, and man's confrontation with nature, were made dramatically manifest by Shakespeare to challenge and promote philosophic activity among his audience and readers. Unconventional in its approach, but working within the tradition of such critics as Allan Bloom and Harry Jaffa, Craig's book makes a substantial contribution to understanding the general principles of Shakespearean drama.

Genres: Shakespeare, Politics, Literary Criticism

480 pages, Hardcover

First published May 30, 2001

Reviews

[Mora]

this is indeed a classic craig book (60% super insightful philosophical interpretations of the text, 40% batshit conspiracy theories). i don't have a ton to say about it since i've been reading it off and on for months (it was my train book) and details have not stuck in my head. i will say this is my least favorite of his three shakespeare texts (hamlet -> henriad -> this one).

insightful stuff about lear and macbeth though. macbeth chapter especially was really good with the discussion about fate, free will, time, space, purpose, etc (we love metaphysics) - interesting analogy with time:philosophical dimensions of the play::tyranny:political dimensions of the play. basically if you discuss anything about time in macbeth i'm Immediately interested, and craig does it well.

macbeth section also had the most conspiracy theories but the conspiracy theories are generally fun bc they're not hurting anyone, craig seems to be enjoying himself, and he has So Much rationale. and if you're a plato person (esp apology/republic), the final chapter (othello/winter's tale/measure for measure) is for you. i disagree with craig's measure interpretation though (incl how he applied plato, esp re: the duke).