Sidney Lee
A Life of William Shakespeare
with portraits and facsimiles
"A Life of William Shakespeare" by Sir Sidney Lee is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This comprehensive biography aims to provide a clear and practical narrative of the renowned playwright’s life, detailing the facts surrounding his career, achievements, and reputation, while steering clear of purely aesthetic criticism. The opening of the work establishes the author’s objective to fill a perceived gap in Shakespearean literature by presenting a well-organized summary of verifiable information regarding the dramatist’s life. Lee emphasizes that the book is based on extensive research and efforts to clear up ambiguities related to Shakespeare's background, personal history, and literary endeavors. He outlines what readers can expect in terms of new insights into key aspects of Shakespeare's life, including his family background, education, and relationships, as well as discussions about his financial affairs and his connections with notable contemporaries.