William Shakespeare

by John Masefield

"William Shakespeare" by John Masefield is an analytical biography written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the life, environment, and artistic contributions of the iconic playwright, drawing connections between his origins in Stratford-upon-Avon and the cultural landscape of Elizabethan theatre. Through this exploration, the book not only chronicles Shakespeare's life events but also examines how they shaped his plays and poetic works. The opening of the text describes Stratford-upon-Avon as it stands today compared to Shakespeare's time, highlighting its transformation and enduring significance as his birthplace and the final resting place of the renowned playwright. Masefield recounts key information about Shakespeare's early life, such as his family background, marriage to Anne Hathaway, and the births of their children, intertwining factual history with the legends that arose posthumously. The author also reflects on the mysterious gaps in Shakespeare's biography, particularly during his early career, and sets the stage for understanding how these elements contributed to the literary genius that emerged, laying groundwork for a detailed analysis of Shakespeare's works in subsequent chapters.