Based on solid research and clear explanations, this book provides a thorough and up-to-date analysis of ten key facts and fictions regarding the life and workings of William Shakespeare.

Shakespeare is perhaps the most famous author in world literature. His works have attracted tremendous critical and historical attention, and the world in which he lived has been the subject of hundreds if not thousands of books. But for all the attention given to Shakespeare and his world, arguments continue about what we can say for sure concerning his life and works. This book brings a unique perspective to the ongoing fascination and debate over the life and works of the most renowned writer of all time.

The book focuses on ten separate key issues, including Shakespeare's sexuality, his religion, his marriage and family, his education, and the vexing "authorship question." Each chapter treats a particular topic and provides a section on what people think happened, how the story developed, and what we now believe is the historical truth.

This book looks objectively and closely at evidence to provide the most likely explanations for questions that cannot be definitively answered. Using historical primary source documents, it gives readers the clearest possible view of endlessly fascinating topics.

• Chapters examine popular misconceptions related to Shakespeare's life and works
• Each chapter discusses how the misconception developed and what we now believe is the truth behind the myth
• Excerpts from primary source documents show readers how the misconceptions spread and provide evidence for what are now considered the underlying historical truths
• Chapters cite works for further reading, and the book provides a selected, general bibliography