This book is a must have for anyone doing serious Shakespeare research. It's definitely my first go-to for information. Ms. Hummel has compiled fascinating, highly detailed information from primary sources. It's a beautiful publication full of colorful photos, illustrations and maps. The appendix contains a handy year by year chronological outline that helps me track important events. The information is presented in context with the politics of the Elizabethan period and Ms. Hummel's conclusions are well supported and surprising. She skillfully explains why there are few pieces of Shakespeare's original work and proposes possible (or probable) activities during his "missing years." As an historical writer, I found the thoroughness of her information extremely helpful. As a lover of history, I thrilled the twists and turns of her interpretation of known events (yes, we historians thrill at stuff like that). This hardback is so elegantly published I can't bear to mar it with notes and highlighting, but I refer to it almost daily in my writing. Thankfully, the chronological sequencing makes it easy for me to locate any information I need. I couldn't put it down!
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