FAQ’s
What is the Authorship question? Controversy has been brewing for many years in Shakespearean circles about the authorship of the plays. There are some who think William Shakespeare of Stratford could not have possibly written these works, and others who think there is no controversy at all. If you would like an overview of the authorship question, we suggest The Shakespeare Controversy by Warren Hope and Kim Holston, Who Wrote Shakespeare? by John F. Michell, and, for an amusing introduction to the authorship question, Chasing Shakespeares by Sarah Smith.
What is an Oxfordian? An “Oxfordian” is one who thinks that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford,wrote the plays attributed to William Shakespeare. For more information about Edward de Vere, we suggest "Shakespeare" by Another Name by Mark Anderson, Shakespeare: Who Was He? The Oxford Challenge to the Bard of Avon by Richard Whalen, Alias Shakespeare by Joseph Sobran, Shakespeare Identified by J. Thomas Looney, and The Mysterious William Shakespeare by Charlton Ogburn. Please also see The Shakespeare Fellowship and the Shakespeare Oxford Society Websites.
Good reading for anyone from any point of view: The Meaning of Shakespeare, Vols. 1 & 2, by Harold C. Goddard.
Interesting News: The Wall Street Journal published an article discussing the views United States Supreme Court justices have regarding the Shakespeare authorship question and Edward de Vere, 17th earl of Oxford. Click above on the journal’s title to read the article.
What is a Stratfordian? A Stratfordian is one who believes that William Shakespeare of Stratford is the author of the Shakespeare canon. This is also known as the “traditional” or “orthodox” perspective. We recommend Shakespeare’s Lives by Samuel Schoenbaum and Ian Watson's Shakespeare: The Evidence for studies of Shakespeare written from the Stratfordian position. To read more about the Stratfordian side of the authorship argument, please see the Shakespeare Authorship Page by David Kathman and Terry Ross, Hardy Cook's "Shaksper" site, or Mr. William Shakespeare and the Internet.
Is this event about the Authorship question? This is a Shakespeare event that will include presentations from the Oxfordian viewpoint. Presentations will talk about or refer to the authorship question and Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford.
Do I need to RSVP? RSVP is recommended to ensure a space. However, walk-ins on the day of the event are welcome. In the unlikely event that the room fills prior to the day of the event, there will be a notice posted on the first page of this site and on our voicemail message. Please kindly RSVP if you plan to join us on Saturday so we may have a count for lunch. RSVP by email or telephone, email: info@shakespearesymposium.org, Telephone: 617-955-3198. Thank you!
Do I need to be familiar with the Shakespeare plays that are being discussed at the Symposium? You are not required to come with any prior knowledge. There will be people of many different knowledge levels at this event. All are welcome, and we are very pleased to have newcomers attend. If you would like to familiarize yourself with any of texts that will be discussed, please visit your local library, bookstore, or the Web for the following: William Shakespeare’s Othello, Timon of Athens, and The Tempest. Also see Mark Twain’s essay, “Is Shakespeare Dead?”
What ages are appropriate for this event? The presentations will consist of a talk for 40 minutes followed by 20 minutes for discussion. The presentations will be college-level. High school students interested in Shakespeare will be able to enjoy the presentations.