Gloucester History Festival Special #2 - Shakespeare Unshackled: Debunking the Bard's Identity Crisis with Michael Wood

History Rage

Embark on a tempestuous voyage through the turbulent waves of literary history as we confront the enduring tempest of the Shakespeare authorship controversy. In this fiery episode of History Rage, we're broadcasting live from the Gloucester History Festival, where host Paul Bavill is joined by the renowned historian, broadcaster, and author, Michael Wood. Together, they set sail to dismantle the conspiracy-laden waters that question the Bard's very pen.

The Bard's Battle:

- Michael Wood expresses his simmering frustration with the theory that William Shakespeare did not author his own works, confronting the classist undertones fueling this persistent myth.

- An examination of the education and environment that shaped Shakespeare, highlighting the robustness of Elizabethan grammar schools and the Bard's voracious appetite for reading.

The Conspiracy Castaways:

- A critical look at the main contenders championed by authorship skeptics: the Earl of Oxford and Francis Bacon, revealing the absurdity of their claims through historical evidence and linguistic analysis.

- Wood debunks the Oxfordian theory with its timeline troubles and the Baconian hypothesis with its linguistic lunacy, proving both to be more fiction than fact.

The Authenticity Anchor:

- A defense of primary sources as the bedrock of historical understanding, emphasizing the importance of contemporary, corroborated evidence in validating Shakespeare's authorship.

- Wood calls upon the historical documents that anchor Shakespeare to Stratford-upon-Avon, his acting troupe, and his literary legacy, challenging any who dare to drift from these truths.

The True Treasure:

- While acknowledging the genuine mysteries of Shakespeare's life, Wood advocates for a focus on the fascinating unknowns rather than the fabricated falsehoods.

- A personal reflection on the allure of the Bard's enigmatic history and a yearning to uncover the untold tales of his formative years.

Join us for a tempest of truth as Michael Wood passionately defends the Bard from the slings and arrows of outrageous skepticism. Dive into the depths of literary history and emerge with a renewed appreciation for the man from Stratford-upon-Avon.

Follow @MichaelWoodMV on Twitter to keep up with his scholarly pursuits, and don't forget to grab a copy of his latest work, "In the Footsteps of Dufu," to witness history through the eyes of China's cherished poet.

To stay enraged with more historical revelations, follow @HistoryRage on Twitter and support us on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for early access to episodes, prize draws, and the coveted History Rage mug. Stay tuned, stay informed, and above all, stay angry!

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