Reflections on the true Shakespeare

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Reflections on the True Shakespeare presents a compelling overview of Oxfordian scholarship concerning the Shakespeare authorship debate. Gary Goldstein delves into various topics, including the poetry of Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, as potential juvenilia of William Shakespeare, the role of popular theater as Tudor propaganda, and the influence of the Essex dialect in the plays. His work showcases an enduring curiosity, extensive knowledge, and a keen eye for vital evidence. Goldstein treats the authorship question as a significant cultural puzzle, respecting factual integrity while engaging readers with lively prose. His essays effectively compile evidence supporting his thesis, particularly regarding Shakespeare's linguistic abilities, and make a strong case for Edward de Vere as a candidate for Shakespearean authorship, even aligning him with James Joyce's views. After earning a master’s degree from New York University, Goldstein co-produced Uncovering Shakespeare, a television program moderated by William F. Buckley, Jr. He also founded The Elizabethan Review, a peer-reviewed journal focused on the English Renaissance, serving as editor from 1993 to 2001, and later co-edited Brief Chronicles, a journal dedicated to authorship studies.