William Shakespeare

"William Shakespeare" by John Masefield is an early 20th-century biography that seeks to understand the man behind the plays by looking at his life and times. It explores how growing up in Stratford-upon-Avon and being part of the exciting world of Elizabethan theatre influenced him. The book not only tells the story of Shakespeare's life, but also looks at how his experiences shaped his writing. Beginning with a description of Stratford as it now stands, the author reflects on how Shakespeare's birthplace is also his lasting memorial. Masefield goes on to share what we know about Shakespeare's early years, including his family, his marriage, and his children, and distinguishes between reliable information and stories that have grown over time. By acknowledging the unknowns and missing pieces in Shakespeare's early life, Masefield prepares the reader for an analysis of his plays and poems.