Review of Biography: William Shakespeare - A Biography by A.L.Rowse:

A.L.Rowse is one of the famous English historians and writers of 20th century. He was a renowned writer of Elizabethan era. He wrote several biographies on English historians and literal figures, the most notable one is his controversial Biography on William Shakespeare and his complete works.

In the biography, as a scholar and a historian Rowse followed strict historical method. He mentioned all the historical happenings of that particular time and era to analyze and review the works of
Shakespeare. It is presented in chronological, thematic structural method based on the social customs, laws including major political events of that time , which adds to the foundation of biography.
Shakespeare and his works have fascinated millions for centuries, people have read his books, interpreted and reinterpreted which will continue for centuries and without Rowse’s biography on
Shakespeare the research will be incomplete. The author’s main purpose is to understand the works of
Shakespeare and the external influences in shaping the work be it social, historical and political even mentioned contemporary gossips which might possibly influenced Shakespeare to write the work.

Despite the accuracy and the subjectivity of the work. It has flawed assumptions and debatable conclusions. The fairness of the author is questionable as there is lack documents of evidence which can state the facts. Rowse is persuaded and insistent of connecting love’s labours lost and A Midsummer
Night’s Dream. His determination that sonnets where autobiographical records of love affair with
Southampton cannot be warranted by evidence.

Shakespeare is widely called as the English National poet; he was also greatest dramatists of all times.
He was baptized on April 26, 1564 in