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Book Review, © Copyright 1998, Jim Loy
Is that a stupid question? Didn't William Shakespeare (or Shakspere or other spellings) write those great plays and sonnets? That is certainly the conventional story. But, there are problems with that, as there are problems with all of the alternative theories examined in this fascinating book. William Shakspere was an actor, and the owner of a theater. But, the only thing that connects him to his plays is his name at the top of them (fairly strong evidence).
This book examines the many alternative theories: Francis Bacon wrote Shakespeare, Edward de Vere (Earl of Oxford) wrote Shakespeare, William Stanley (Earl of Derby) wrote Shakespeare, Roger Manners (Earl of Rutland) wrote Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe wrote Shakespeare, several of these (and others) wrote Shakespeare, Shakespere stole other people's works. All of these theories have problems. But all of these theories have surprising evidence in their favor, as well.
So, who did write Shakespear? Shakespear must still be the front runner. But that is not entirely satisfying. Read the book, and see what you think.
This book is no longer listed at Amazon.com. Order it from A Common Reader.