Shakespeare: The Evidence: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Man and His Work

by Ian Wilson

Book Overview

A first-time-in-paperback reissue, this full-fledged biography takes on all of the famous Shakespearean debates, from whether or not Shakespeare actually wrote his plays to speculation regarding his... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312200056
• ISBN13: 9780312200053
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: St. Martins Press-3PL
• Length: 512 Pages
• Weight: 1.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.8" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Superb!

"Shakespeare: the Evidence" is a wonderful resource for anyone who is intrigued by William Shakespeare and the Elizabethan era, but becomes bogged down by dense research doctrines, or frustrated by conclusions drawn from sketchy evidence. And yet Ian Wilson presents a staggering amount of research (including phtographs of contemporary paintings, maps and sketches). But because the book is written gracefully, and the form and pressure of the time are depicted in fascinating detail, it is a delicious read.

Wonderful

This is a great book. It is easy to read and it is interesting. Mr. Wilson does not just write about Shakespear and give his theories, he provides reasoned arguments about those theories. Mr. Wilson also provides alternative arguments and alternative theories regarding Shakespear. My only complaint? I'd like to see a list of the main people that are discussed with some clue as to their context. I say this because you will be introduced to someone on page 10 and not read about him again until page 87. A quick reference page would be very helpful in keeping everyone straight. Otherwise, this is a great book. Enjoy.

Finally a page turning biography

Being a Shakespearean actor, I am very interested in consuming any information concerning the bard from critiques of the plays and sonnets to varied information about his life. Usually though its a chore to ponder through overblown scholarly disertaions on the works that totally ignore the dimension of the presentation and performance. Even more so with dull biographers who grapple with sparse facts on Shakespeare's life and who eventually draw a very incomplete view of the man. That all changed in reading this book! Ian Wilson paints the most complete portrait of the bard that I have ever read. Piecing together bits of direct and surrounding evidence, selections of the plays and political intriques of the time Wilson writes an exciting narrative that reads more like a screenplay then a dissertation. I found myself dieing to know what happend next as his life unfolded. Here Shakespeare appears as a true Human being and not the stuff of half baked legend and places emotion and motivation behind the writing of the plays. It describes in detail his dealings with the high members of the court of England, rising through the ranks of the theatrical world and gives a poignant glimpse into the man himself and dispels any allusion to the authorship question, especially from Edward De Vere. Given the success of "Shakespeare in Love", Hollywood should take this book and fashion a mini-series on his life. There is more than enough drama and mystery in these pages for three films. Definitely a great read for any scholar or Shakespearean actor that seek to relish the rich legacy that Will left to our culture.

Great look at Shakespeare.

This is very well written account of what we know of Shakespeare's Life. Wilson makes a very persuasive case for Shakespeare as the author of the plays and sonnets. At times his reasoning becomes a little convoluted, but almost all books on subjects like this have some twistings in their reasoning. After reading this I would stand behind Shakespeare on the authorship debate, partly because there is no reason to believe that he did not write the plays. Jeff Anderson

A "must-read" and "must-have" for any fan of the Bard!

It is indeed unfortunate that this book is not available. Keep trying! It is well worth it! Simply the best book on Shakespeare, The Man, I have ever read. Wilson's research is awesome and his feel for his subject is highly sensitive. Also, anyone who is curious about whether Shakespeare was a "secret" Catholic will find this book chock-full of information on that question. -- David Nava Associate Artistic Director Shakespeare's Motley Crew Chicago, IL