Genesis of the Shakespearean Works

This book is the result of fourteen years research scrutinizing thousands of historical documents. Dr Matthews reveals never before seen facts regarding the earliest quartos and the first folio – even new research into the leather cover of the Bodleian first folio and how that particular copy came into the possession of the Turbutt family.

Dr Matthews has forensically dated the majority of Shakespearean plays some twenty years before earlier scholars, such as Rowe, Malone and Chambers – some plays dated as early as 1561 and 1558 – up to six years before William Shakespeare was born. Dr Matthews’ exemplary philosophical dissertation of the Shakespearean works and its critics, reveals much about the identity of the real authors.

A unique reference work essential to Shakespearean scholars and students alike - this book redates the Shakespearean works, scrutinises each candidate, and definitively answers the authorship debate.

Dedication

Preface

Introduction

PART ONE - EXAMINING THE FOUNDATIONS OF SHAKESPEAREAN HISTORY

1 - Fragile Foundations

2 - Historical Background to Shakespeare

3 - Early Quartos

4 - First Folio

5 - Masonic Influence 

6 – Shakespearean Critics

PART TWO - A PHILOSOPHICAL DISSERTATION OF THE SHAKESPEAREAN WORKS AND ITS CRITICS

7 - Conspectus

8 - All's Well That Ends Well         

9 - A Midsummer Night's Dream 

10 - Antony and Cleopatra              

11 - As You Like It            

12 - Coriolanus  

13 - Cymbeline  

14 - Hamlet        

15 - Henry IV      

16 - Henry V       

17 - Henry VI      

18 - Henry VIII   

19 - Julius Caesar             

Index