William Shakespeare, A Biography is so unique among the biographies preceding this work because it solves, for the first time, and definitively, the problem of the Sonnets, which has teased so many generations and led so many people into a difficult, troublesome, perplexing state of conjecture. The key to the resolution of their problems, all of which are now cleared up in this book -- except for the identity of Shakespeare's mistress, which we are never likely to know -- has been to follow strict historical method and establish a firm dating and chronology.    This the author has done quite well. But the establishment of a firm chronology, with a close study of what was happening at the time, year by year, has resulted in an unhoped-for enrichment of the contemporary content and experience that went into a number of the plays, particularly of the earlier and more obscure period.  Rowse (the author) has, for the first time, been able to establish the date and the occasion of "A Midsummer-Night's Dream," with what follows as to the conception of the play.    In the same way, "The Merchant of Venice," "Love's Labors's Lost," the problematical play "Troilus and Cressida," the        political play "Coriolanus;" these and more, with a knowledge of the circumstances and events of Shakespear's time, have yielded great results.

This first edition book from 1963 is 482 pages in hardbound format.    In used condition, with pages showing some yellowing, is in very good shape.     No wear & tear.    Mailed to destinations within continental USA.    Free shipping.