October 24, 2008

Shakespeare by another Name

Rating:
Awards:
Author: Mark Anderson
Narrator: Simon Prebble
Category: Biography
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Release Date: 2005
Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins
Abridged

An Overview:
The true origins of the works of Shakespeare have remained a mystery as the actor by that name never left England, so the general consensus amongst experts is that he couldn't possibly have written the amazing works attributed to him. In Shakespeare by another Name, author Mark Anderson supports his theory that Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, was the true literary master.

Shakespeare by Another Name: The Life of Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford, the Man Who Was Shakespeare is a fascinating, well thought-out biography of the 17th Earl of Oxford with parallels drawn between his time in Venice, his love life and extensive travels to the corresponding Shakespearian work.

The author thoroughly researched de Vere's life and came up with so many similarities between his experiences and the stories in Shakespeare that the connections are difficult to ignore.

The writing moved along beautifully, chock-full of interesting facts about the life and times of Edward de Vere with limited conjecture and no mindless filler that would have bogged down the story line. While the evidence is not conclusive, Mark Anderson certainly does an excellent job of making his case and giving a lot of food for thought. Was de Vere truly Shakespeare by another name? Perhaps…but perhaps not.

If you've ever been intrigued by the mystery that is Shakespeare, then Anderson's Shakespeare by Another Name is a must-listen; decide for yourself if there is evidence to support the notion the Edward de Vere, a disgraced courtier seeking to appeal to Queen Elizabeth I, could have been the true Shakespeare speaking to the Queen through her beloved theater.

Whether or not the evidence convinces you, or even whether or not you've ever wondered about Shakespeare's true origins, this is a most intriguing and detailed biography of a very colorful character in English history that is certainly worth learning about.

The Narration:
Reader Simon Prebble is possibly my favorite narrator; Prebble brings this story to life with his smooth voice and enthusiastic reading, engaging the reader in ways mere ink on paper never could.

Audiobook reviewed by Georgia Sparling