Anthony David Nuttall was an English literary critic and academic whose work delves into the profound connections between literature and philosophy. He is particularly celebrated for his studies of Shakespeare, unearthing the philosophical underpinnings within the playwright's works, and for exploring the literary repercussions of empiricism and solipsism. His scholarship is characterized by extensive reading, common sense, deep humanity, and a unique ability to weave in occasional, sometimes eccentric, references to popular culture. Nuttall's writing offers a distinctive voice, marked by robust insight and a broad engagement with both classical and modern literary traditions.
In one of the best guides to Shakespeare's plays, Nuttall studies the intellectual preoccupations and questions that engross Shakespeare from his early plays to the late romances and illustrates how the plays return to, modify, and complicate these preoccupations.
Exploring the paradox of why audiences find pleasure in tragedy, this engaging book delves into the interplay between art and human nature. It examines the perspectives of notable thinkers like Aristotle, Shakespeare, Nietzsche, and Freud, offering fresh insights into the allure of suffering and death in dramatic works. By analyzing the control of horrific themes through artistic expression, the author presents a thought-provoking exploration of the darker aspects of humanity that resonate with viewers.