Georg Gottfried Gervinus was a German political and literary historian, well known for his often-controversial writings and fearless challenging of the establishment. His literary works on Shakespeare sought to present the playwright as the intellectual property of Germany and to bring out the moral and philosophical teachings embedded in his writings, as well as the numerous examples of healthy practical activity. His commentaries were very popular in England, in a translation by Frances Bunnett. This copy was acquired by Queen Victoria, February 1863.