The Quest for Shakespeare

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The New Shakspere Society, established in 1873, aimed to uncover the mysteries surrounding Shakespeare's authorship through scientific methods. However, its efforts were hindered by the eccentricities of its director, Frederick J. Furnivall, and flawed testing methods. Jeffrey Kahan explores how the society devolved into personal conflicts and rivalries, despite its significant influence on bibliographical and biographical scholarship for the following century. The organization left a complex legacy marked by intrigue, failed ambitions, and contentious debates.