Introduction to the Controversy

For centuries, the identity of William Shakespeare has been at the heart of a fascinating and often contentious debate within the literary world. While many accept Shakespeare of Stratford as the true author of the much-admired plays, a group known as anti-Stratfordites has put forth several alternative candidates. This article delves into some of these theories, focusing on the notable figure of Sir Thomas North, as proposed in the book North by Shakespeare by Michael Blanding and Dennis McCarthy.

Other Theories and Figures

In examining the alternative candidates for Shakespeare’s authorship, it’s worth mentioning a contemporary scholar and my former husband, who wrote a convincing essay suggesting that Samuel Langhorne Clemens (better known as Mark Twain) was the real author. Although this essay wasn’t published, it demonstrates that there are indeed other theories worth considering, beyond the often-discussed figures like Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford.

Alternative Candidate: Sir Thomas North

One alternative candidate that has gained significant attention is Sir Thomas North. The book North by Shakespeare by Michael Blanding and Dennis McCarthy presents compelling arguments for North as the true author. While the book is not as widely known as other works on the subject, it offers a fresh perspective on the Shakespearean authorship question.

Critical Analysis of Alternative Theories

Despite the variety of proposed candidates, it’s important to examine the quality and merit of these theories. Over 80 alternative figures have been put forward by anti-Stratfordites. Many, if not most, of these proposals have had their own books or essays advocating for them. However, the majority of these works are either no longer available or difficult to access. Furthermore, they are often not worth reading.

These books frequently employ the same debunked arguments, fallacious logic, and tired evidence to support their claims. For instance, they often rely on smoking guns or specific supposed connections that are more imaginative than substantive. Expert shakespeare scholars have been listening to and analyzing these arguments for over 170 years. During this time, not a single scholar has been convinced to entirely reject the authorship of Shakespeare or to accept any of these alternative candidates. This enduring skepticism is a reflection of the rigorous and steadfast approach of academic analysis.

Warnings to Potential Readers

Given the prevalence of these theories and the quality of the supporting evidence, it would be unwise to invest time and energy into these books. Most of these works are written by individuals without the necessary expertise or knowledge to properly research the subject. They often lack the necessary historical context and critical thinking that would enable a thorough and unbiased study of the claims made about Shakespeare’s authorship.

Therefore, it is recommended that readers avoid wasting their time on these speculative and often baseless theories. Instead, turn to scholarly works and expert analysis for a more comprehensive understanding of the authorship question. The robust body of work by genuine shakespeare scholars ensures that there is a wealth of credible resources available for those genuinely interested in this complex and intriguing debate.