Debate has swirled for years around that most significant of literary problems; the authorship of Shakespeares 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 Oxfords life and Shakespeares works; especially in Hamlet; the most autobiographical of the plays. Shakespeare: Who Was He? is a literary mystery of monumental proportions. Whalens 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 glovers 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 historys 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.Whalens 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. Oxfords 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.
#4373405 in eBooks 1989-01-20 1989-01-20File Name: B001D4A872
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. such as doing research on directors to figure out what they like in their Actors etcBy KalaI purchased this book for my 16 year old daughter who is an aspiring Actress. She told me to give this a 5 star rating and stated "The book breaks down how to prepare for auditions; what to expect in the auditioning process; plus many tips of the Entertainment industry; such as doing research on directors to figure out what they like in their Actors etc. It was written in a clear; concise; and detailed manner. The voice active and rhythm fluent. This book is much appreciated by both the purchaser and the user. Thanks to Jonathan Flom. Great Job1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Essential and incredibly helpful book!By History Lover in VAI purchased this book for my daughter who eats; sleeps; breathes and dreams about being a performer on stage one day. She has learned more by reading the first three chapters of this book than she has from any other!! If you believe you have the talent to be a "triple threat" - or just want to perform on stage; this book will give you the tools; the essentials; and the raw reality-check you need for mastering the audition - and achieve your goal: to get the callback!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Must have for actors!By Lori SessionsThis book is a must have for anyone pursuing theatre in college or beyond! Practical; relevant and extremely helpful information for all theatre students!
