Could a treasure trove of 400-year-old letters constitute a previously unknown "diary" written by William Shakespeare? After 25 years of research, we believe the astonishing answer is yes. We learn that Shakespeare left home bound for the New World, where he hoped to restore is family's fortunes, but knowing how risky the journey would be, he wanted to create a record for his two-year-old son (Hamnet) so that, one day, Hamnet would know why his father left home (especially in case Shakespeare was unable to return). Although he never made it to North American shores, these letters uncover the truth about the earliest pilgrims and reveal that Shakespeare was kept closer to home to fight in a pivotal battle for England against Spain (and that he used his theatrical talents to help win it). Overall, these remarkable letters represent a wealth of as-yet-undiscovered knowledge about Shakespeare's relationships, personality, and career as he carves out his place in the chaotic world of 16th-century London, describing vibrant details from his arrival in London to the premiere of Titus Andronicus, his first play to be staged.
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Publisher: Shakespeare House Press
Released: 2018
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