August Wilhelm Schlegel (1767-1845) published Lectures on Dramatic Art and Literature containing 30 lectures given in Vienna in 1809. Schlegel states "My purpose was to give a general view, and to develope those ideas which ought to guide us in our estimate of the value of the dramatic productions of various ages and nations." This series of lectures shows the in depth study August Schlegel has made of his subject matter. Essays include Euripides--His Merits and Defects--Decline of Tragic Poetry through him, Criticisms on Shakspeare's Comedies, Comparison of the English and Spanish Theatres--Spirit of the Romantic Drama--Shakspeare--His Age and the Circumstances of his Life, and Structure of the Stage among the Greeks--Their Acting--Use of Masks-False comparison of Ancient Tragedy to the Opera--Tragical Lyric Poetry.