Overview

The identity of Shakespeare, the most important poet and dramatist in the English language, has been debated for centuries. This historical work investigates the role of Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, establishing him as most likely the author of Shakespeare's literary oeuvre. Topics include the historical background of English literature from 1530 through 1575, major contemporary transitions in the theatre, and a linguistically rich examination of Oxford's life and the events leading to his literary prominence. The sonnets, Oxford's early poetry, juvenile ""pre-Shakespeare"" plays, and his acting career are of particular interest. An appendix examines the role of the historical William Shakespeare and how he became associated with Oxford's work.

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9780786463138

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Malim follows in the footsteps of (earlier) scholars in arguing scientifically for the 17th Earl of Oxford, Edward de Vere, as author of the works conventionally attributed to the business man William Shakespeare of Straford-upon-Avon. The traditional weakness of this position - the dating of the plays - turns out to be is greatest strength, for Malim is able to demonstrate conclusively that all the commentators on English literature at that time agreed that 'a flowering of talent - what may, because of the completeness and suddeness of its appearance, properly be called a revolution - had already happened' by 1580. We are thus left gaping at the projected brilliance and secondary effects of a supernova that has exploded before our time and disappeared: at its centre to this day lies a 'black hole'; the source not only of the unsurpassed drama and poetry, but of English as a respectable and esteemed literary vehicle... I don't believe anything futher needs to be written; for those who are open, the conclusion becomes self-evident. - Heythrop Journal LIV (2013)

Author Information

Richard Malim is a retired lawyer and long-time student of the Shakespeare authorship question. He serves as secretary of the De Vere Society in the United Kingdom.

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