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Shakespeare, Bacon, and the Great Unknown

Written by Andrew Lang

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Bacon, Francis, 1561-1626Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616

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About this book

"Shakespeare, Bacon, and the Great Unknown" by Andrew Lang is a scholarly work exploring the contentious debate surrounding the authorship of William Shakespeare's plays, written in the early 20th century. The text delves into theories that suggest Francis Bacon, or some other unknown individual, rather than the traditional Stratford man, authored the works attributed to Shakespeare. Lang's exploration addresses the divide between Baconians, who advocate for Bacon's authorship, and those who defend Shakespeare's legacy, highlighting various historical perspectives and arguments on both sides. The opening of this book establishes the context for a detailed inquiry into the long-standing controversy regarding Shakespeare's authorship. Lang presents the theories posited by his contemporaries, notably Mr. G. G. Greenwood, who categorically dismisses Shakespeare as the true author and seeks to propose an anonymous literary genius as a more plausible creator. Throughout the introduction and first chapter, Lang outlines the fundamental positions held by Baconians versus Stratfordians, revealing the lack of consensus even among the critics and literary scholars. As such, the beginning effectively sets the stage for further exploration of these debates throughout the rest of the text, offering readers a glimpse into the complicated interplay of evidence, speculation, and literary loyalty that surrounds one of history's most beloved playwrights.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Shakespeare, Bacon, and the Great Unknown, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • analytical
  • scholarly
  • historical

Andrew Lang's "Shakespeare, Bacon, and the Great Unknown" is an early 20th-century scholarly examination of the enduring controversy surrounding the authorship of William Shakespeare's plays. The book meticulously explores the arguments put forth by 'Baconians,' who posit Francis Bacon as the true author, and 'Stratfordians,' who defend the traditional attribution to William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon. Lang delves into various theories, including the idea of an anonymous literary genius, presenting a balanced perspective on the historical evidence and literary speculation. Ultimately, the work serves as a comprehensive inquiry into one of literature's most persistent and fascinating debates, highlighting the complexities of historical attribution and literary loyalty.

“"The question of Shakespeare's authorship is one that has long perplexed scholars and enthusiasts alike, a Gordian knot of literary history."”

Key themes

Authorship and Identity
This is the central theme of the book, exploring the fundamental question of who wrote the works attributed to William Shakespeare. Lang delves into how identity is constructed through historical records, literary style, and public perception, and how challenging that identity can lead to profound intellectual and cultural debates. It questions what truly defines an author – their biography, their output, or the collective belief of society.
Historical Inquiry and Evidence
Lang's book is a masterclass in the challenges and methodologies of historical inquiry. It examines how evidence is gathered, interpreted, and often manipulated to support pre-existing theories. The theme explores the subjective nature of historical truth, the reliance on circumstantial evidence, and the difficulty of reaching definitive conclusions when direct proof is absent or ambiguous. It questions the rigor of scholarly methods and the biases that can influence historical interpretations.
Literary Legacy and Canonization
The book implicitly explores how literary figures become canonized and how their legacy is maintained or challenged. By questioning Shakespeare's authorship, Lang touches upon the societal investment in cultural heroes and the resistance to altering established narratives. It delves into the emotional and intellectual loyalties that bind people to certain beliefs about literary greatness and the implications of such debates for the future of literary studies.

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