2020/02/12 by Peter Bull · 1 citation
Arts and Humanities · #Historical Art and Culture Studies #Joseph Conrad and Literature #Scottish History and National Identity
paper · pdf · doi:10.1080/0013838x.2020.1717829
openalex publication_date 2020/02/12 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/19
It is contended that the warning to three play-writing colleagues in Greene’s Groatsworth of Witte has never been evaluated with the dispassionate objectivity it deserves. This on account of its de facto status as the foundation stone of Shakespeare’s professional biography. While not underestimating the tenacious hold of a 240 year old tradition, this paper examines the evidence for a contrary viewpoint. A fresh investigation of the critical sentence that has been claimed to identify Shakespeare finds the evidence in his support weak. By comparison, a more substantial and coherent alternative case can presented for the actor-impresario Edward Alleyn. Considerable doubts are therefore raised as to whether Greene’s Groatsworth actually constitutes Shakespeare’s first-confirmed appearance as an actor and playwright. A subsequent paper will examine how the theory of Alleyn being the target of attack fits in with the wider context of Greene’s pamphlet.