Thomas Bowdler

“If any word or expression is of such a nature as to raise a blush on the cheek of modesty, it is to be erased.”

“It is sincerely hoped, that the pains which have been taken to render this work unobjectionable, will be found to have been not ill bestowed.”

“Many words and expressions are of so indecent a nature that it would be highly desirable that they should be altered.”

“Nothing is added to the original text; but those words and expressions are omitted which cannot with propriety be read aloud in a family.”

“It is the humble hope of the editor that this publication may be the means of introducing the youth of both sexes to an acquaintance with the sublime beauties of Shakespeare.”