Shakespeare's lives

This witty and learned book, now completely revised and updated, explores the quest for the man behind Shakespeare throughout history. S. Schoenbaum takes readers on a journey through the myriad myths and legends that have emerged to explain the great dramatist's life and work. He presents a wealth of material from global collections, revealing fresh and often dramatic insights about various controversial figures and events. Starting with the documentary record of Shakespeare as a poet and burgher, Schoenbaum delves into legends portraying him as a deer-poacher, ale-toper, and valiant lover. He examines the playwright as a character in numerous biographies, often highlighting more about the biographers than Shakespeare himself. The narrative also addresses the imaginary histories created through forged documents, first by Ireland in the eighteenth century and later by J. Payne Collier. Additionally, it discusses the Shakespeare who never was, the anti-hero of literature attributing his works to figures like Francis Bacon and Christopher Marlowe. Featuring notable figures such as Johnson, Keats, and Freud, this book presents a multifaceted view of Shakespeare over four centuries, allowing his figure to emerge from the mists of misconception. The new edition offers the latest insights into Shakespeare's life for a new generation of his devotees.