Shakespeare the Puritan

by Douglas Wilson

What do a Puritan tract writer and the world's greatest playwright have in common? Douglas Wilson traces the historical mysteries of the identities of Martin Marprelate and William Shakespeare and attempts to prove that these two men can be woven into a single story—that of the 17th Earl of Oxford, Edward de Vere.

Genres: History, Audiobook, Biography

Audiobook

Published June 20, 2022

About the author

I write in order to make the little voices in my head go away. Thus far it hasn't worked.

Reviews

[Shea Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting listen today at work. Didn't know much about the issue of who Shakespeare was, Wilson makes an interesting argument.

[Sean Kewley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wilson gives a strong case for William de Vere both as Shakespeare and Martin Marpelate, in an enjoyable and witty read. While most regular people do not spend time arguing about the authorship of Shakespeare, and more so Shakespeare a Puritan, I am going to relegate my new profound knowledge to my brain junk drawer, right next to Spanish word for "Aardvark", and the 13 facts I learned about Loggerhead Turtles in Elementary School. Thanks, Wilson.

[Rusten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating and convincing that Shakespeare was really Edward de Vere and Martin Marprelate

[John Rimmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first introduction into the whole "Shakespeare wasn't Shakespeare" theory. I can see why the theories exist, and I can also see why there might be a good bit of disagreement among them, but once you see why people doubt Shakespeare was Shakespeare it's hard not to unsee it. Interesting stuff once you tack on the Puritan angle.

[Adam Duell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing, well put together, and concise. I’ve looked into this topic very little in the past before reading this book, but I’m definitely going to look into it more now. Thanks, Pastor Doug!

[Stephen Lay · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lover of Shakespeare, and one who has received the rich inheritance left by the Puritans, this book had me at the title. Call it confirmation bias, but I had to know.

Wilson argues convincingly from the historical and social data, as well as the internal evidence in Shakespeare's writing, and its similarity to the writings of 'Martin Marprelate', that the true author of all of those language-shaping works was actually a man called Edware De Vere.

This shouldn't be a cause for sorrow amongst bardophiles, but rather a chance to see behind the curtain and realise the extra levels of depth and context that are displayed when De Vere's place in society is factored into the consideration of his works.

Read it!

[Jesus Salgado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is Edward de Vere Shakespeare? Based on the timeline, characteristics, and writing style, it seems that the evidence is pretty strong, and I think the author makes a compelling case for this. Is Edward de Vere Martin Marprelate? It seems the evidence isn’t as clear, but it could be possible. I’d be curious to learn more about Martin. I think the way the author addresses the objections is reasonable but not necessarily convincing; however, it's still worth considering. I also think the author made a great case for anonymous accounts, whether he intended to or not.

[AJ Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps I needed an introduction into this theory to truly appreciate it. Regardless, I enjoyed the speculation and evidence Wilson offered. I’m neither convinced nor too critical of who is truly behind the pen. Nonetheless, I was entertained and am left feeling intrigued.

[Karla Rodgers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well thought out and clever. An entertaining read. I especially loved the last section.

[Nathan Dowd · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a small work it is a complelling thesis. Going to need to continue down this rabbit hole with further reading.

[Matthew Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

WAY too short

[Enola Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing! I have to admit previous complete ignorance of any controversy surrounding Shakespeare's identity, so this has opened up a new world of thought to me.

[Zach Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly this is convincing. Makes my visit to Stratford-upon-Avon even more dull upon retrospection.

[Gideon Robinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great.

[Melanie]

Fascinating argument.

[Anna Kling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is a conspiracy theory that doesn't leave you with a sick feeling of disgust. Instead I found a new respect for Shakespeare and I know about Martin and his letters. A good read.