In 1807, the first edition of The Family Shakspeare appeared in four duodecimo volumes, containing 24 plays. In 1818 a second edition ensued covering all 36 available plays. Each play has an introduction where Bowdler summarises and justifies his textual changes. According to his nephew's Memoir, the first edition was prepared by Bowdler's sister Harriet, but both appeared under Thomas Bowdler's name, probably because a woman would then be reluctant to admit publicly that she could do such work or even understand Shakespeare's racy verses.Jessica Tabak "Acts of Omission: Fiona Brideoake examines 19th-century censored Shakespeare" , 2 November 2009. By 1850 eleven editions had appeared.
In 1807, the first edition of The Family Shakspeare appeared in four duodecimo volumes, containing 24 plays. In 1818 a second edition ensued covering all 36 available plays. Each play has an introduction where Bowdler summarises and justifies his textual changes. According to his nephew's Memoir the first edition was prepared by Bowdler's sister Harriet but both appeared under Thomas Bowdler's name, probably because a woman would then be reluctant to admit publicly that she could do such wo,rk or even understand Shakespea,re's racy verses.Je,ssica Tabak "Acts of Omission: Fiona Brideoake examines 19th-century censored Shakespeare"  2 November 2009. By 1850 eleven editions had appeared.