Shakespeare by Another Name

The Life of Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford, the Man who Was Shakespeare

By: Mark Anderson

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Actor William Shaksper of Stratford had little education, never left England, and apparently owned no books. How could he have written the great plays and poetry attributed to him? Journalist Mark Anderson's biography offers tantalizing proof that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, courtier, spendthrift, scholar, traveler, soldier, scoundrel, and writer, was the real "Shakespeare".

As Anderson reveals, de Vere lived in Venice during his twenties, often in debt to its moneylenders (Merchant of Venice). He led military campaigns against rebellious nobles in Scotland (Macbeth). An extramarital affair resulted in fighting between his supporters and rivals (Romeo and Juliet). And when de Vere was publicly disgraced, he began using the pen name "Shake-speare" and appealed to Queen Elizabeth I through her favorite form of entertainment: the theater.

©2005 Mark Anderson (P)1999 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

"The most important Shakespeare biography of the past 400 years." (Sarah Smith)

Even better the second time!

Well, I couldn't stay away and re-listened. It was even better the second time!

Sir Edward's Bones

It feels satisfying to put the flesh back on Sir Edward's bones. At long last we can see the man behind the language that connects whole world. The very soul of English.

The Most Definitive and Authoritative Account of ‘Shakespeare’ to Date

A thorough history of the Elizabethan period which makes sense of the author as a historical figure in a context that makes the man ‘human’ and comprehensible.

Behind the Mask

This book will surely inspire new generations of biographies. It is such a privilege to see at last the man behind the mask that history has swallowed. It made me want to read “Shakespeare” all over again and more perceptibly, with affection and gratitude for the noble genius who spoke truth to power and so empowered speech.

My Kingdom for a horse!

We visited the midlands of Richard the 3rd. I wish I had read (do we read audio books?) this first. We visited Stratford as well. I am satisfied with the proof.