Eight people who might be the “real” Shakespeare

In academic circles, the question of Shakespeare’s “real” identity has long been debated. Some scholars believe, for various reasons, that the historical person known as William Shakespeare was not the actual author of the works he is known for today. Entire books have been dedicated to the subject, on both sides of the issue. I recently read Stephen Greenblatt’s biography of Shakespeare, Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare, which carefully lays out the existing evidence that links William Shakespeare, the historical person, to elements of the writings, and in the absence of direct evidence, makes reasonable assumptions about these connections. I found the book quite convincing, but I personally don’t need proof of authorship to enjoy the plays and poems, although I do love good literary gossip. For those interested in the controversy, here are the leading contenders:

1. Francis Bacon: aristocrat and philosopher known for formulating the Baconian method; the earliest contender
2. Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford: a poet and patron of the arts; currently the most popular contender (see “Shakespeare” by Another Name by Mark Anderson)
3. Christopher Marlowe: poet and playwright; a historically popular contender even though he died before many of Shakespeare’s works appeared
4. Sir Henry Neville: diplomat and distant relative of Shakespeare; the newest addition to the list (see The Truth Will Out: Unmasking the Real Shakespeare by Brenda James and William D. Rubinstein)
5. William Stanley, 6th Earl of Derby
6. Roger Manners, 5th Earl of Rutland
7. Mary Sidney Herbert, Countess of Pembroke
8. William Shakespeare (yes, it’s still possible)

For much more information on this debate, go here, here, or here.