Bowdler (Noun)
Meaning
English editor who in 1818 published an expurgated edition of the works of Shakespeare (1754-1825).
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- Thomas Bowdler's alterations to Shakespeare's works significantly reduced the explicit content in the plays.
- During his time, Thomas Bowdler was both praised and criticized for his sanitized version of Shakespeare's works.
- Despite being widely criticized, Thomas Bowdler's editions of the classics continued to be popular in many English households.
- A stern puritan, Thomas Bowdler believed the original text was not suitable for the delicate sensibilities of women and children.
- Thomas Bowdler's meticulous editing helped raise the profile of literary classics to a wider audience.