SONNET 127In the old age black was not counted fair,
Or if it were, it bore not beauty's name, But now is black beauty's successive heir, And beauty slandered with a bastard shame, For since each hand hath put on Nature's power, Fairing the foul with art's false borrowed face, Sweet beauty hath no name, no holy bower, But is profaned, if not lives in disgrace. Therefore, my mistress' eyes are raven-black Her eyes so suited, and they mourners seem At such who not born fair, no beauty lack, Slandering creation with a false esteem. Yet so they mourn, becoming of their woe That every tongue says beauty should look so. W.S. There is much controversy over who the dark lady and the beloved friend was. William Shakespeare's life is mostly a mystery, to the point where some challenge the claim that he authored Shakespeare's works. However, there are many sources of information that prove his life was even more interesting than previously thought. Was he a leader in the Catholic underground? |
Life Along the Thames
Elizabethan England is remembered as an apex of romance, a rich contributor to the development of the arts and sciences. What is not generally known is that it was also a period of dark political intrigue. Monarchies were fighting each other and their subjects to maintain control. Dynamic philosophies were developing and clashing, and in so doing, creating a new perspective of humanity and it's role in the world.
Nature was both cherished and abused. Witchcraft and magic were commonly accepted, considered as real and enduring as the God adored by rival churches. Traditional medicines were newly challenged by developing science, along with the cunning women who practiced them. Powerful messages spread through the world, carried by Gutenberg's new technology, the printing press, which was invented only a hundred years before Queen Elizabeth's ascension. Most of Shakespeare's life was spent under Elizabeth's reign. By the time he was born, she controlled the throne and all of England. William's world and life were shaped by her edicts and beliefs. He devoted his art to influencing her and the powerful circle of advisers which surrounded her. He and those he loved were subject to the heavy handed tactics of Lord Burghley's Privy Council. Shakespeare's genius cannot be fully recognized without understanding the political intrigues of his time, nor can his passion be truly appreciated without knowing the people who surrounded and inspired him. This website is devoted to exploring Shakespeare's world and the magic he brought to the stage. |
Quill Pen Production
The The trouble with spending days writing is that it's easy to get sidetracked researching really interesting stuff. I needed to know what they used to call an ink well and stumbled across this amazing site, Medieval Writing. Edward Ching, an artist who specializes in pen and ink, has created this amazing video showing how he makes feather quills. It's a fascinating process and much more complex than I thought. The site credits Regia Anglorum for the initial information and provides more detail information on this link. Thanks to those who contributed to this abundance of information!
I loved it!!! Plague link: http://www.history.com/topics/black-death |
CodesA nice examination of the many secrets of Elizabethan society.
Music
Beautiful mood music from the period.
Swords |
Tower of LondonAnother great youtube to give you a feel for that critical Tower of London!
Essex's ExecutionThis is a little grisly, but the Earl of Essex's execution is critical to understanding Shakespeare's story, and this youtube gives us some detailed information on the process.
Shakepeare's London TheatersProduced by Shakespeare London Theaters, this series of videos looks at the theaters themselves along with the audiences, actors, dramatists, and entrepreneurs during the fifty year history of England's Golden age.
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