This book is an easy read containing a wealth of knowledge about Shakespeare's life, career, the Elizabethan Era, and the development of drama during Shakespeare's time. There is a lot of detail concerning what is actually known and what is believed, but not proven, about Shakespeare himself, as well as interesting information about his body of works and when they were written. The author, William Neilson, not only gives the gift of his knowledge, but lays out his research to support the information in the book. By doing this, he not only increases the readers basic knowledge of Shakespeare and the period in which he lived, but also educates the readers on what research has been done and whether it is valid. The reader will come away with a greater understanding of everything Shakespeare. by Sherry Hampton 2017 ( )