Oxfordian theory
Oxfordian theory,a term for what has since the mid-20th century been the most visible strand in the Authorship Controversy, the claim that Shakespeare's works were in fact written by Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford (1550–1604). De Vere published verse and also wrote comedies, though these do not survive (they are mentioned by Meres in Palladis Tamia, quite independently of Shakespeare's). His involvement with the theatre extended to employing Lyly as a secretary, and patronizing an acting company from 1580 onwards, Oxford's Men, who seem to have mainly toured the provinces and were absorbed by Worcester's Men after 1602. De Vere was a notorious figure at Elizabeth's court, violent and irresponsible: he killed a servant when only 17, and his many subsequent quarrels included a brawl with the family of a lady-in-waiting he had impregnated and a conspiracy against Sidney. In between squandering his estate, fighting in Flanders, and feuding, however,...
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