The Philosophy of the Plays of Shakspere Unfolded (eBook)

Delia Salter Bacon (1811–1859) was an American writer, philosopher, and playwright, best known for her work regarding the authorship of Shakespeare's plays. Her studies led her to propose the controversial theory that the plays attributed to William Shakespeare were, in fact, written by a coterie of writers, among whom she suggested Sir Francis Bacon, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Edmund Spenser. In her most notable work, 'The Philosophy of the Plays of Shakspere Unfolded', Bacon elucidates her belief in the Shakespeare authorship question, with explorations into Baconian ciphers and thematic scrutiny that she argues underpin the collective authorship model. Her theories garnered both interest and skepticism in literary circles during the 19th century and have since been a point of departure for further speculation and debate within the Shakespearean scholarly community. Delia Bacon's contributions, albeit contentious, have been a significant footnote in the history of Shakespearean criticism, prompting deeper discussions around authorship, literary merit, and the historical context of literature. Her literary style, combining historical research with fervent argumentation, marks her as a distinctive and pioneering figure within the realm of literary theory and Shakespearean studies.