Shakespeare by Another Name: The Life of Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford, The Man who Was Shakespeare
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3.9 • 10 Ratings
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- $20.99
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- $20.99
Publisher Description
Actor William Shaksper of Stratford had little education, never left England, and apparently owned no books. How could he have written the great plays and poetry attributed to him? Journalist Mark Anderson's biography offers tantalizing proof that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, courtier, spendthrift, scholar, traveler, soldier, scoundrel, and writer, was the real "Shakespeare".
As Anderson reveals, de Vere lived in Venice during his twenties, often in debt to its moneylenders (Merchant of Venice). He led military campaigns against rebellious nobles in Scotland (Macbeth). An extramarital affair resulted in fighting between his supporters and rivals (Romeo and Juliet). And when de Vere was publicly disgraced, he began using the pen name "Shake-speare" and appealed to Queen Elizabeth I through her favorite form of entertainment: the theater.
Customer Reviews
game changer
i picked this up causally about a decade ago with little to no knowledge of the controversy. i had re-read this three times since and bought the audio book.
subsequently i read many, many more oxford-based (and other candidates) proposition and i still to this day find the case for edward de vere as 'shake-speare' to be a stunning and glorious example of forensic sleuthing.
i went back to j. thomas looney's original brainstorm (stunning logic, IMO) up to modern oxford examinations such as hank wittemore's 'the monument' (brilliant).
but mark anderson's excellent book here encompasses thrilling narrative, investigative research, logical reasoning and inspired questioning.
it's the best starting place and an excellent base to return to for a refresher.
i suggest we (interested in drama and literature) cease the accusations and labeling of camps (stratfordians, oxfordians, etc.) and enjoy the read. let the facts and theroies wash over us, open the discussions and research on a scholastic level and enjoy the ride.
for myself, i have never enjoyed shakespeare as much in my entire life ad i have now with an perspective of de vere as the author.
this is one excellent book!
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