| 
This web site provides a good introduction to the authorship
debate. It is the work of R.W. Bivens-Tatum, a postgraduate student at the
University of Illinois, and it summarizes the claims of the six main contenders:
- William Shakspere [Sic]
- Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford
- Francis Bacon
- Christopher Marlowe
- William Stanley, Earl of Derby
- Roger Manners, Earl of Rutland
There are links to sites which support these individuals and
to societies which have been set up with the aim of 'proving' that
their candidate is the real author of the works. There is also
an annotated list of suggested further reading.
The author himself attempts to remain neutral on the question
of authorship. His stated aim is not to reach any conclusions,
but to review the best and most reliable literature and websites
that seek to promote the various candidates.
He maintains that despite the persuasiveness of the evidence
offered on behalf of some of these individuals, the question of
authorship is interesting precisely because it is something that
remains almost impossible to prove.
Bivens-Tatum admits, however, that in the absence of any conclusive
proof 'the safest answer seems to be the traditional answer'.
A very useful and well-researched site.
Click here to go to The Shakespeare Question site |
