Net Worth →
Classic Plays

Baconian Essays: Play Guide and Free Edition

Baconian Essays: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Published by Pop Culture Files••2 min read•Automatically generated · review not guaranteed
AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject
AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject

Baconian Essays is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Smithson, E. W. (Edward Walter), active 19th century.

Catalogue synopsis

Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:

"Baconian Essays" by E. W. Smithson is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. The book critically examines the authorship of the works attributed to William Shakespeare, presenting a case that argues Francis Bacon as the true author. This collection also includes contributions from notable figures like Sir George Greenwood, who adds his own essays and introduction to the discourse on literary identity. The beginning of "Baconian Essays" introduces the controversial debate surrounding the authenticity of Shakespeare's authorship, setting the stage for Smithson's arguments. It presents a range of perspectives, particularly highlighting the views of influential writers like Henry James, who questioned Shakespeare's legitimacy as the author of his celebrated works. Smithson challenges the conventional belief in the Stratford actor's authorship by proposing an alternative narrative that suggests literary deception was common in Shakespeare's time and that significant literary works were instead produced by Bacon under the guise of a pseudonym. This opening portion establishes an analytical tone that invites readers to reconsider widely held assumptions about one of literature's most iconic figures.

Book and edition facts

  • Title: Baconian Essays
  • Author credits: Smithson, E. W. (Edward Walter), active 19th century
  • Catalogue language: English

Catalogue subjects

  • Bacon, Francis, 1561-1626 -- Authorship
  • English drama -- Authorship
  • Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 -- Authorship -- Baconian theory

Gutenberg collections

  • Category: Essays, Letters & Speeches

Read this edition

View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.

Source notes

Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.

Sources

More in Stage & Theatre