Shakespeare, Bacon, and the Great Unknown By: Andrew Lang (1844-1912)
In his captivating work, Shakespeare, Bacon, and the Great Unknown, Andrew Lang delves into the mysterious nexus between two intellectual giants of the past: William Shakespeare and Francis Bacon. With meticulous research and a thought-provoking analysis, Lang presents a compelling case that challenges the well-established authorship of Shakespeare's plays and sonnets. Lang's interdisciplinary approach weaves together historical records, literary analysis, and his own astute observations to paint a vivid portrait of the Elizabethan era. Through his exploration of both Shakespeare and Bacon's lives, Lang skillfully draws upon evidence from their personal experiences, education, and intellectual pursuits, bringing readers into the enigmatic world of late 16th-century England. One of the book's primary strengths lies in its balanced treatment of the topic. Lang approaches the contentious "authorship question" with impartiality and never seeks to impose his own preconceived notions. Instead, he presents the various theories surrounding Shakespeare's works and analyzes them rigorously, engaging readers in a compelling intellectual exercise. Lang's prose is accessible and engaging, making this work highly approachable for both the casual reader and the seasoned Shakespeare enthusiast. He artfully conveys complex ideas with clarity and provides ample historical context, enabling readers to grasp the intricate web of evidence and speculation surrounding this intriguing debate. Furthermore, Lang's meticulous research is evident throughout the book. Drawing from an impressive array of primary sources and scholarly texts, he builds a solid foundation for his arguments. His attention to detail and comprehensive analysis of each theory surrounding the Shakespearean authorship question make this book a valuable resource for both enthusiasts and those just beginning to explore the topic. While Lang's book leaves readers with more questions than definitive answers, it successfully challenges conventional wisdom and encourages critical thinking. Shakespeare, Bacon, and the Great Unknown is an important contribution to the ongoing discourse surrounding Shakespearean authorship. Regardless of where one stands on the issue, Lang's work invites readers to embark on an intellectual journey and question long-held assumptions. In conclusion, Andrew Lang's Shakespeare, Bacon, and the Great Unknown is a thoughtful and thought-provoking exploration that should be on the bookshelf of any Shakespeare enthusiast or lover of literary mysteries. Engagingly written and meticulously researched, it invites readers to reconsider established beliefs, sparking a renewed interest in the enduring enigma of Shakespeare's true identity. First Page: SHAKESPEARE, BACON AND THE GREAT UNKNOWN INTRODUCTION The theory that Francis Bacon was, in the main, the author of "Shakespeare's plays," has now been for fifty years before the learned world. Its advocates have met with less support than they had reason to expect. Their methods, their logic, and their hypotheses closely resemble those applied by many British and foreign scholars to Homer; and by critics of the very Highest School to Holy Writ. Yet the Baconian theory is universally rejected in England by the professors and historians of English literature; and generally by students who have no profession save that of Letters. The Baconians, however, do not lack the countenance and assistance of highly distinguished persons, whose names are famous where those of mere men of letters are unknown; and in circles where the title of "Professor" is not duly respected. The partisans of Bacon aver (or one of them avers) that "Lord Penzance, Lord Beaconsfield, Lord Palmerston, Judge Webb, Judge Holmes (of Kentucky, U.S.), Prince Bismarck, John Bright, and innumerable most THOUGHTFUL SCHOLARS EMINENT IN MANY WALKS OF LIFE, AND ESPECIALLY IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION . . . " have been Baconians, or, at least, opposed to Will Shakspere's authorship. To these names of scholars I must add that of my late friend, Samuel Clemens, D... Continue reading book >>

Shakespeare, Bacon, and the Great Unknown By: Andrew Lang (1844-1912)

In his captivating work, Shakespeare, Bacon, and the Great Unknown, Andrew Lang delves into the mysterious nexus between two intellectual giants of the past: William Shakespeare and Francis Bacon. With meticulous research and a thought-provoking analysis, Lang presents a compelling case that challenges the well-established authorship of Shakespeare's plays and sonnets.

Lang's interdisciplinary approach weaves together historical records, literary analysis, and his own astute observations to paint a vivid portrait of the Elizabethan era. Through his exploration of both Shakespeare and Bacon's lives, Lang skillfully draws upon evidence from their personal experiences, education, and intellectual pursuits, bringing readers into the enigmatic world of late 16th-century England.

One of the book's primary strengths lies in its balanced treatment of the topic. Lang approaches the contentious "authorship question" with impartiality and never seeks to impose his own preconceived notions. Instead, he presents the various theories surrounding Shakespeare's works and analyzes them rigorously, engaging readers in a compelling intellectual exercise.

Lang's prose is accessible and engaging, making this work highly approachable for both the casual reader and the seasoned Shakespeare enthusiast. He artfully conveys complex ideas with clarity and provides ample historical context, enabling readers to grasp the intricate web of evidence and speculation surrounding this intriguing debate.

Furthermore, Lang's meticulous research is evident throughout the book. Drawing from an impressive array of primary sources and scholarly texts, he builds a solid foundation for his arguments. His attention to detail and comprehensive analysis of each theory surrounding the Shakespearean authorship question make this book a valuable resource for both enthusiasts and those just beginning to explore the topic.

While Lang's book leaves readers with more questions than definitive answers, it successfully challenges conventional wisdom and encourages critical thinking. Shakespeare, Bacon, and the Great Unknown is an important contribution to the ongoing discourse surrounding Shakespearean authorship. Regardless of where one stands on the issue, Lang's work invites readers to embark on an intellectual journey and question long-held assumptions.

In conclusion, Andrew Lang's Shakespeare, Bacon, and the Great Unknown is a thoughtful and thought-provoking exploration that should be on the bookshelf of any Shakespeare enthusiast or lover of literary mysteries. Engagingly written and meticulously researched, it invites readers to reconsider established beliefs, sparking a renewed interest in the enduring enigma of Shakespeare's true identity.

First Page:

SHAKESPEARE, BACON AND THE GREAT UNKNOWN

INTRODUCTION

The theory that Francis Bacon was, in the main, the author of "Shakespeare's plays," has now been for fifty years before the learned world. Its advocates have met with less support than they had reason to expect. Their methods, their logic, and their hypotheses closely resemble those applied by many British and foreign scholars to Homer; and by critics of the very Highest School to Holy Writ. Yet the Baconian theory is universally rejected in England by the professors and historians of English literature; and generally by students who have no profession save that of Letters. The Baconians, however, do not lack the countenance and assistance of highly distinguished persons, whose names are famous where those of mere men of letters are unknown; and in circles where the title of "Professor" is not duly respected.

The partisans of Bacon aver (or one of them avers) that "Lord Penzance, Lord Beaconsfield, Lord Palmerston, Judge Webb, Judge Holmes (of Kentucky, U.S.), Prince Bismarck, John Bright, and innumerable most THOUGHTFUL SCHOLARS EMINENT IN MANY WALKS OF LIFE, AND ESPECIALLY IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION . . . " have been Baconians, or, at least, opposed to Will Shakspere's authorship. To these names of scholars I must add that of my late friend, Samuel Clemens, D... Continue reading book >>

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