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The Pelican Code
Was Shakespeare a Fraud?
The authorship debate and controversy has been raging for over two centuries – with passions running very high on all sides. Many find it hard to reconcile that a glover’s son from illiterate parents, who left school at 14 and had illiterate children of his own, could have written the 37 fantastic plays and 154 beautiful sonnets attributed to his name.
Between them, these works demonstrate the author to have a vocabulary in excess of 20,000 words. They also resulted in almost 2,000 new words for the dictionary.
So if Shakespeare didn’t write his plays – who did?
Over the years many names have been put forward as alternative authors with the three main contenders being Edward De Vere, Francis Bacon and Christopher Marlowe, with each school of thought pointing to circumstantial evidence supporting their respective positions. No proof has ever been found……until now.
In Padova, Northern Italy, a letter, a painting and three leather bound books are found, which together represent coded material. If decoded and released into the public domain, they would prove once and for all that Shakepeare did not write his own works. Competing interests come together in a David and Goliath struggle between passion and greed – the passion to prove Shakespeare was a fraud and the need to protect powerful, vested interests.
The Pelican Code is a modern thriller that takes you on a journey, flashing back to 1593 as it twists and turns, providing an insight into the authorship question and culminating in a climax you won’t predict.
Was Shakespeare A Fraud? You decide………
The authorship debate and controversy has been raging for over two centuries – with passions running very high on all sides. Many find it hard to reconcile that a glover’s son from illiterate parents, who left school at 14 and had illiterate children of his own, could have written the 37 fantastic plays and 154 beautiful sonnets attributed to his name.
Between them, these works demonstrate the author to have a vocabulary in excess of 20,000 words. They also resulted in almost 2,000 new words for the dictionary.
So if Shakespeare didn’t write his plays – who did?
Over the years many names have been put forward as alternative authors with the three main contenders being Edward De Vere, Francis Bacon and Christopher Marlowe, with each school of thought pointing to circumstantial evidence supporting their respective positions. No proof has ever been found……until now.
In Padova, Northern Italy, a letter, a painting and three leather bound books are found, which together represent coded material. If decoded and released into the public domain, they would prove once and for all that Shakepeare did not write his own works. Competing interests come together in a David and Goliath struggle between passion and greed – the passion to prove Shakespeare was a fraud and the need to protect powerful, vested interests.
The Pelican Code is a modern thriller that takes you on a journey, flashing back to 1593 as it twists and turns, providing an insight into the authorship question and culminating in a climax you won’t predict.
Was Shakespeare A Fraud? You decide………
ebook
First published October 28, 2011
3 people want to read
About the author
Tim Lea
3 books4 followersFrustrated by a corporate career in finance, working with such names as GE Capital, HSBC, and Lloyds Bank, Tim took the entrepreneurial leap of faith and plunged deep into Web 1.0 in February 1995, setting up an internet cafe-bar & restaurant and a web design house, which he sold in 2001, prior to calling Australia his home.
Here, he followed his passion for screenwriting, culminating in him writing, directing and co-producing an internationally award-winning feature film, 54 Days in 2014.
When Tim went down the Blockchain Rabbit Hole for the first time in early 2015 he had that light bulb moment when he realised there was the chance to finally do something about film piracy and theft, leveraging this new and powerful technology. From here he set up Veredictum.io, a smart ownership and distribution platform for content producers to protect their copyright . Tim is a published author on corporate finance, and a regular speaker, writer and trainer on the strategic applications of the Blockchain.
Here, he followed his passion for screenwriting, culminating in him writing, directing and co-producing an internationally award-winning feature film, 54 Days in 2014.
When Tim went down the Blockchain Rabbit Hole for the first time in early 2015 he had that light bulb moment when he realised there was the chance to finally do something about film piracy and theft, leveraging this new and powerful technology. From here he set up Veredictum.io, a smart ownership and distribution platform for content producers to protect their copyright . Tim is a published author on corporate finance, and a regular speaker, writer and trainer on the strategic applications of the Blockchain.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 26, 2012
The Pelican Code tackles a controversial subject. In this novel, we are introduced to the possibilty (and maybe, the reality) that Shakespeare may be a fraud. He may not have written some or all of his plays. Instead, it may have been truly written by Christophe Marlowe, a contemporary of Shakespeare who "died" in a bar fight. But he might have been living in fact long after his death.
This book is a historical fiction novel that poses very interesting scenarios and alternate realities. This book reminds me of the Da Vinci Code in a way. The controversy lies with the famous writer Shakespeare, a literary giant that might as well be compared to Jesus Christ in a sense. It seems blasphemous to even think that Shakespeare could be a fraud, in a way that it is blasphemous to write about Jesus Christ having a child with Mary Magdalene. But I enjoyed this book far better than the Da Vinci Code since I am more interested with literature than religion in general. Aside from that, the author Tim Lea really writes well. His style is engaging. I was never bored reading it. I have an ebook version so I had to stop from time to time while reading it but if I were to have a paperback copy of this book, I would definitely not stop reading it in one sitting. In fact, I may read this book again in the future.
I am so thrilled to have found such a good book like this. I really love it. This is the sort of book that I love reading about. I have always been a fan of novels about books, authors and literature. When I read the premise of The Pelican Code, I know for sure that this would be a good book. And I am glad that I read it. I was not disappointed at all. In fact, my expectations were even surpassed. I was so impressed with Tim Lea that I searched for him in the net and found his bio which is really interesting. I hope there would be more books by Tim Lea in the future.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants an intelligent and well-thought thriller. You won't regret reading it but make sure that you have an open mind. Good fiction is always best when it actually tries to mimic reality. And this book certainly made me ask myself if what we know as real is actually true.
This book is a historical fiction novel that poses very interesting scenarios and alternate realities. This book reminds me of the Da Vinci Code in a way. The controversy lies with the famous writer Shakespeare, a literary giant that might as well be compared to Jesus Christ in a sense. It seems blasphemous to even think that Shakespeare could be a fraud, in a way that it is blasphemous to write about Jesus Christ having a child with Mary Magdalene. But I enjoyed this book far better than the Da Vinci Code since I am more interested with literature than religion in general. Aside from that, the author Tim Lea really writes well. His style is engaging. I was never bored reading it. I have an ebook version so I had to stop from time to time while reading it but if I were to have a paperback copy of this book, I would definitely not stop reading it in one sitting. In fact, I may read this book again in the future.
I am so thrilled to have found such a good book like this. I really love it. This is the sort of book that I love reading about. I have always been a fan of novels about books, authors and literature. When I read the premise of The Pelican Code, I know for sure that this would be a good book. And I am glad that I read it. I was not disappointed at all. In fact, my expectations were even surpassed. I was so impressed with Tim Lea that I searched for him in the net and found his bio which is really interesting. I hope there would be more books by Tim Lea in the future.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants an intelligent and well-thought thriller. You won't regret reading it but make sure that you have an open mind. Good fiction is always best when it actually tries to mimic reality. And this book certainly made me ask myself if what we know as real is actually true.
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June 26, 2020DNF - did not complete
May 19, 2012
The Pelican Code is a very interesting book which compiles two different time periods with one storyline. The author is able to keep your attention with the modern day characters and interspersing historical fact and legend within the pages. Not only is the plot of the book a very debatable subject, but it is filled with ‘cloak and dagger’ adventure in both timelines. There is much political upheaval during the 15th century and innocent writers were put to death if accused of the treason of ‘heresy’ or writings of blasphemy in order to placate the fears of Queen Elizabeth I.
In modern day Padova, Northern Italy, there is a huge project for the removal of earthquake damaged buildings which had stood for hundreds of years. As one of the dump trucks drops a load of rubble into the landfill, a small box tumbles from amid the dust and broken bricks. One man sees the wooden box with the ornate gilded corners and swoops in to rescue the box. The workman opens the box and examines the contents- a small painting, a letter, and three leather bound books- the man has no idea of the true worth of the items he holds in his dusty hands.
Modern day character, Toby Malone lives in the city of Canterbury, Kent, a historical Elizabethan town located in Southeast England. He had an unfortunate event which happened during his days in Cambridge and was expelled for an act he did not commit. He is now in his early thirties and happily married. He is known as ‘Kit’ by his wife Cassie and friends. He works as assistant in a book shop which allows him time to pursue his study and historical documentation of a prominent theory he seems to be obsessed to follow. Kit is is determined to search for answers to his questions of the possibility of Christopher Marlowe being the true author of plays which have been attributed as the works of William Shakespeare!
Another prominent character is Frank Walsh. A lecturer of English Literature who has ties to a secret society and the financial motive to protect the historical reputation of William Shakespeare as the unquestionable author of the famous Shakespearean works of 1535-1613.
In the meantime, the books which are found are believed to be coded diaries of Christopher Marlowe, 1564 –1593?? Marlowe was a friend and mentor of William Shakespeare. According to this book, the death of Marlowe was publicized as happening in a bar fight, although actually with Marlowe spending his later years as an exile in Italy. Kit tries to acquire and protect the diaries and painting hoping to use them as proof that Christopher Marlowe wrote many of the plays and were published in an agreement with Shakespeare.
Who is the man on the fringes of the story wearing the distinctive ring, a pelican with three babies, plucking her bleeding chest to feed her young? Is his purpose to protect the documents or to destroy them?
After I read The Pelican Code and thought about the story, I kept saying to myself...”Was Shakespeare a fraud? Well, it could be true!”
So, read the book and then let your mind consider the possibilities...was Shakespeare an honored playwright and author, or was he a fraud, or perhaps the genius author of a successful literary business deal!
Enjoy!
In modern day Padova, Northern Italy, there is a huge project for the removal of earthquake damaged buildings which had stood for hundreds of years. As one of the dump trucks drops a load of rubble into the landfill, a small box tumbles from amid the dust and broken bricks. One man sees the wooden box with the ornate gilded corners and swoops in to rescue the box. The workman opens the box and examines the contents- a small painting, a letter, and three leather bound books- the man has no idea of the true worth of the items he holds in his dusty hands.
Modern day character, Toby Malone lives in the city of Canterbury, Kent, a historical Elizabethan town located in Southeast England. He had an unfortunate event which happened during his days in Cambridge and was expelled for an act he did not commit. He is now in his early thirties and happily married. He is known as ‘Kit’ by his wife Cassie and friends. He works as assistant in a book shop which allows him time to pursue his study and historical documentation of a prominent theory he seems to be obsessed to follow. Kit is is determined to search for answers to his questions of the possibility of Christopher Marlowe being the true author of plays which have been attributed as the works of William Shakespeare!
Another prominent character is Frank Walsh. A lecturer of English Literature who has ties to a secret society and the financial motive to protect the historical reputation of William Shakespeare as the unquestionable author of the famous Shakespearean works of 1535-1613.
In the meantime, the books which are found are believed to be coded diaries of Christopher Marlowe, 1564 –1593?? Marlowe was a friend and mentor of William Shakespeare. According to this book, the death of Marlowe was publicized as happening in a bar fight, although actually with Marlowe spending his later years as an exile in Italy. Kit tries to acquire and protect the diaries and painting hoping to use them as proof that Christopher Marlowe wrote many of the plays and were published in an agreement with Shakespeare.
Who is the man on the fringes of the story wearing the distinctive ring, a pelican with three babies, plucking her bleeding chest to feed her young? Is his purpose to protect the documents or to destroy them?
After I read The Pelican Code and thought about the story, I kept saying to myself...”Was Shakespeare a fraud? Well, it could be true!”
So, read the book and then let your mind consider the possibilities...was Shakespeare an honored playwright and author, or was he a fraud, or perhaps the genius author of a successful literary business deal!
Enjoy!
May 30, 2012
Do you believe God created the universe in less than one week and man in his own image, or that humans evolved from a lesser species? Do you believe aliens constructed the pyramids of Egypt or a civilization long extinct built them? Do you believe William Shakespeare wrote all his own works, or that he put his name to someone else’s work? Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
If you enjoy reading about William Shakespeare, whether you believe he wrote his own works or not, you will enjoy this book. Toby Malone (Kit) is one of those individuals who believes, almost to an obsession, that Shakespeare did not write all his works, that he put his name to someone else’s writings. The book is written in both the time of Shakespeare in 1593, and the current day. Like Indiana Jones, there is the one searching for items from the past (Toby), the one who always takes what someone else finds (Frank Walsh) and the group of people sworn to protect the secret, in this case, the symbol of a mother pelican determined to feed her babies with her own blood from her pecking her chest.
Very well written and interesting. Keeps you reading to see who you can trust and believe, and who will end up with the artifacts, if anyone at all, and how the main characters end up. Good mix of characters, and the descriptions of both the 1500’s and current day Europe make you feel as if you are there. I can see this author writing further adventures along similar lines.
If you enjoy reading about William Shakespeare, whether you believe he wrote his own works or not, you will enjoy this book. Toby Malone (Kit) is one of those individuals who believes, almost to an obsession, that Shakespeare did not write all his works, that he put his name to someone else’s writings. The book is written in both the time of Shakespeare in 1593, and the current day. Like Indiana Jones, there is the one searching for items from the past (Toby), the one who always takes what someone else finds (Frank Walsh) and the group of people sworn to protect the secret, in this case, the symbol of a mother pelican determined to feed her babies with her own blood from her pecking her chest.
Very well written and interesting. Keeps you reading to see who you can trust and believe, and who will end up with the artifacts, if anyone at all, and how the main characters end up. Good mix of characters, and the descriptions of both the 1500’s and current day Europe make you feel as if you are there. I can see this author writing further adventures along similar lines.
May 16, 2012
The Pelican Code
*** of *****
I thought that The Pelican Code is a fast engaging read. However, I was distracted by the poor editing. You might not be as obsessive as I am about grammar and punctuation, so those problems may not bother you.
The story has a fascinating plot - was William Shakespeare, son of an illiterate glover, who left school at age 14, really the author of some of the most magnificent plays and poetry ever written OR was he simply the front man for an educated, talented writer who was in disfavor with and banished by Queen Elizabeth I?
I really liked the protagonist, Toby Malone. He’s a bit obsessed with the theory that Christopher Marlow was actually the author of everything that is attributed to Shakespeare. When he finds out about the existence of a box uncovered in the tear down of an ancient building, he believes that the books within, along with a painting will prove that his theory is correct. There are some nice twists, a couple of surprising sub plots and an interesting ending.
My advice is that Tim Lea invest in hiring a professional editor so that all of the time he spent crafting this interesting mystery/thriller is not wasted.
*** of *****
I thought that The Pelican Code is a fast engaging read. However, I was distracted by the poor editing. You might not be as obsessive as I am about grammar and punctuation, so those problems may not bother you.
The story has a fascinating plot - was William Shakespeare, son of an illiterate glover, who left school at age 14, really the author of some of the most magnificent plays and poetry ever written OR was he simply the front man for an educated, talented writer who was in disfavor with and banished by Queen Elizabeth I?
I really liked the protagonist, Toby Malone. He’s a bit obsessed with the theory that Christopher Marlow was actually the author of everything that is attributed to Shakespeare. When he finds out about the existence of a box uncovered in the tear down of an ancient building, he believes that the books within, along with a painting will prove that his theory is correct. There are some nice twists, a couple of surprising sub plots and an interesting ending.
My advice is that Tim Lea invest in hiring a professional editor so that all of the time he spent crafting this interesting mystery/thriller is not wasted.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews