Meaning: Thomas Bowdler, a British physician and philanthropist, made the above statement in the preface to "The Family Shakespeare," a work he published in 1807. Bowdler's quote reflects his belief that William Shakespeare's plays contained content unsuitable for women and children, leading him to create a censored version that he deemed appropriate for family consumption. The quote encapsulates Bowdler's approach to literary censorship and his efforts to make Shakespeare's works more palatable for a wider audience.

Bowdler's statement underscores the widespread recognition of Shakespeare as a preeminent figure in the world of dramatic poetry. His acknowledgment of Shakespeare's literary prowess aligns with the prevailing view of the Bard's enduring influence on English literature and drama. Shakespeare's works are celebrated for their depth, complexity, and insight into the human condition, making him a revered figure in the literary canon.

However, Bowdler's regret about the unsuitability of Shakespeare's unaltered plays for family consumption reveals his concern about the content of the original texts. He expresses a paternalistic attitude by suggesting that no parent should allow their daughter to read Shakespeare's plays in their unedited form. This sentiment reflects the prevailing societal norms and attitudes towards morality and propriety during the early 19th century.

In response to his concerns, Bowdler took it upon himself to produce "The Family Shakespeare," a version of Shakespeare's plays that he had expurgated to remove what he considered to be objectionable content. The publication of this censored edition marked Bowdler's attempt to make Shakespeare's works more accessible to a wider audience, particularly families and individuals who may have been put off by the original content.

Bowdler's decision to create a "family-friendly" version of Shakespeare's plays sparked significant controversy and debate. While some praised his efforts to make the works of Shakespeare more suitable for young and female readers, others criticized his censorship as an affront to the integrity and artistic merit of the original texts. The term "bowdlerize" emerged as a pejorative reference to the act of censoring or expurgating literary works, highlighting the enduring impact of Bowdler's efforts on the discourse surrounding artistic freedom and censorship.

Despite the criticism, Bowdler's "Family Shakespeare" remained popular among certain audiences and contributed to a broader cultural conversation about the role of literature in shaping moral values and societal norms. The controversy surrounding Bowdler's edits of Shakespeare's plays also raised questions about the responsibility of authors and editors in presenting their works to diverse audiences while respecting the artistic integrity of the original texts.

In conclusion, Thomas Bowdler's quote reflects his dual admiration for Shakespeare's literary talent and his concern about the suitability of the Bard's unaltered works for family consumption. His creation of "The Family Shakespeare" and the ensuing controversy surrounding his censorship efforts continue to spark discussions about the intersection of artistic freedom, morality, and the presentation of literature to diverse audiences. Bowdler's legacy serves as a reminder of the complex and evolving relationship between literature, censorship, and societal values.