Synopses & Reviews
Debate has swirled for years around that most significant of literary problems, the authorship of Shakespeare's works. Now Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, a recognized poet and playwright, has eclipsed Bacon, Marlowe, and all the other candidates for authorship honors. Lengthy and specialized studies have detailed the historico-literary case for Oxford and against the man from Stratford-on-Avon . . . Shakespeare: Who Was He? is the first book to give the general reader a clear, readable, concise analysis of the arguments for both men. Most intriguing are the many direct parallels between Oxford's life and Shakespeare's works, especially in Hamlet, the most autobiographical of the plays. Shakespeare: Who Was He? is a literary mystery of monumental proportions. Whalen's presentation breathes new life into the plays and sonnets through this breakthrough examination of the real-life Hamlet, Edward de Vere, the 17th earl of Oxford.
William Shakespeare is the only literary figure whose very identity is a matter of long-standing and continuing dispute. Was he really the glover's son from Stratford-on-Avon? Or was he someone else writing under the pseudonym William Shakespeare? The question has been called the foremost literary problem in world literature and history's biggest literary whodunnit. Interest in it has never been greater, and that interest is growing now that a consensus has formed for Edward de Vere, the seventeenth earl of Oxford, as the leading candidate. Oxford, a recognized poet, playwright, and patron of acting companies, has eclipsed Bacon, Marlowe, and all the other candidates. The Oxfordian challenge is now being covered in scholarly books, in articles in magazines such as The New Yorker and Atlantic Monthly, and on television, including an hour-long PBS FrontLine program. The issue has even been debated in a moot court before three justices of the Supreme Court--with an intriguing outcome.
Whalen's book is the first to provide a clear, concise, readable summary for the general reader, one that analyzes the main arguments for both the man from Stratford-on-Avon and the earl of Oxford. His conclusion? The case for Oxford is much more persuasive. Oxford's life in general and in its particulars is mirrored throughout the works of Shakespeare in many striking ways, particularly in Hamlet, the most autobiographical of the plays. Many who have examined the case for Oxford have had their appreciation of Shakespeare transformed and immensely enriched. This book will be required reading for those who love Shakespeare and want to know more about why the authorship controversy persists. The main narrative, which takes the reader easily through the pros and cons for each man, is supplemented by extensive, entertaining endnotes and appendixes, plus a comprehensive, annotated bibliography.
Review
Shakespeare--Who Was He? is that rare book--a splendidly written whodunit that solves a real-life, 400-year mystery . . . a mystery bequeathed to posterity by William Shakespeare himself.Gary B. Goldstein, Editor The Elizabethan Review
Review
Whalen examines the "great debate" over Shakespeare's identity by offering convincing evidence that Edward de Vere, the seventeenth East of Oxford, was actually the author of Shakespeare's works. A lucid discussion, suggested for English literature students.Booklist/Adult Books for Young Adults
Review
Sooner or later almost every student of Shakespeare will confront the troubling figure of Oxford. Whalen presents all aspects of this fascinating controversy. Oxfordians will delight in giving this lucid, compact study to their Stratfordian friends. It is ideal for both believers, skeptics and agnostics. It just may help you make up your mind.Norrie Epstein author of The Friendly Shakespeare
Review
I am fascinated by Whalen's plunge into the oft-tossed sea of the Shakespeare controversy. He invites us to accompany him on a stimulating search for answers.E.J. Kahn author and staff writer for over fifty years for The New Yorker
Synopsis
The only introduction to the Shakespeare authorship question with a clear, concise evaluation of the arguments for both "William Shakespeare" and Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, this book lays out the case for the general reader in lively, readable prose.
Synopsis
Debate has swirled for years around that most significant of literary problems, the authorship of Shakespeare's works. Now Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, a recognized poet and playwright, has eclipsed Bacon, Marlowe, and all the other candidates for authorship honors.
Synopsis
William Shakespeare is the only literary figure whose very identity is a matter of long-standing and continuing dispute. Was he really the glover's son from Stratford-on-Avon? Or was he someone else writing under the pseudonym William Shakespeare? The question has been called the foremost literary problem in world literature and "history's biggest literary whodunnit". Interest in it has never been greater, and that interest is growing now that a consensus has formed for Edward de Vere, the seventeenth earl of Oxford, as the leading candidate. Whalen's book is the first to provide a clear, concise, readable summary for the general reader, one that analyzes the main arguments for both the man from Stratford-on-Avon and the earl of Oxford. His conclusion? The case for Oxford is much more persuasive. This book will be required reading for those who love Shakespeare and want to know more about why the authorship controversy persists. The main narrative, which takes the reader easily through the pros and cons for each man, is supplemented by extensive, entertaining endnotes and appendixes, plus a comprehensive, annotated bibliography.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [171]-178) and index.
About the Author
RICHARD F. WHALEN is a writer, lecturer, and President of the Shakespeare Oxford Society.
Table of Contents
Foreword by Paul H. Nitze
Preface
The Incumbent: The Man from Stratford
A Strikingly Mundane Life
The Missing Literary Evidence
Shakspere versus Shakespeare
The Case for Will Shakspere as Author
The Ambiguous Testimony of the First Folio
The Leading Challenger: The Earl of Oxford
The Search for the True Author
Oxford's Literary Life
The Case for Oxford as Author
Oxford's Life Span and Dating the Plays
Oxford Revealed in Shakespeare's Plays
Objections to Oxford as Shakespeare
Resolving the Authorship Issue
Appendix A: Records of Will Shakspere's Theater Activities
Appendix B: "Shake-scene," Groatsworth, and Chettle
Appendix C: Ben Jonson's Notebook, Timber
Appendix D: The Benezet Test
Notes
Select, Annotated Bibliography for Further Reading
Index