The Shakespeare Myth

by Edwin Durning-Lawrence

"The Shakespeare Myth" by Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence is a critical examination of the traditional narrative surrounding William Shakespeare, written in the early 20th century. This book challenges the widely accepted authorship of Shakespeare's works, suggesting that they were actually penned by Francis Bacon, and delves into the historical and biographical inconsistencies pertaining to Shakespeare's life. It reflects the early 1900s cultural skepticism towards established literary canon and examines the implications of the authorship debate on the understanding of English literature. In this book, Durning-Lawrence meticulously dissects the evidence associated with Shakespeare, including his supposed signature, the publication of his plays, and the historical context of his life. He points out various discrepancies, such as the fact that only a handful of plays can be firmly attributed to Shakespeare during his lifetime, while many others emerged posthumously with significant alterations. Through an exploration of historical documents, scripts, and Bacon's own writings, he presents the argument that Shakespeare was not the prolific playwright and poet but rather a pseudonym used by Bacon to shield the true author from political and social scrutiny. The book is a unique contribution to literary criticism and raises profound questions about authorship, legacy, and the nature of literary genius.