A new book by scholar John Hudson, Shakespeare’s Dark Lady: Amelia Bassano Lanier the woman behind Shakespeare’s plays? presents a provocative and revolutionary theory about the true authorship of the works traditionally attributed to William Shakespeare.
Hudson argues that the famed works of the Bard were not written by the man from Stratford-upon-Avon, but by a talented and overlooked woman: Amelia Bassano Lanier, a Black Jewish poet from Renaissance England.
Amelia Bassano Lanier, who was England’s first published female poet, is best known for her 1611 work Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum.
In his scholarly examination, Hudson suggests that Lanier was not only Shakespeare’s “dark lady” from the sonnets but also the hidden hand behind some of his most celebrated plays, including Hamlet and Much Ado About Nothing.
Hudson’s book delves deep into the political, cultural, and intellectual life of 16th and 17th century England to support his theory. He asserts that Lanier had the right blend of skills and experiences to author Shakespeare’s works.
From her travels across Europe, including a visit to Denmark, to her connections within the English theater and royal court, Hudson paints a compelling picture of Lanier as a polymath whose life overlapped with many elements found in the Bard’s works.
According to Hudson, the plays’ subversive critiques of Christianity, reflective of Lanier’s Jewish heritage, suggest her influence.
Additionally, her background in music and law further strengthens his argument, as many Shakespearean works display knowledge in these areas.
Hudson’s extensive research even points to seven of Shakespeare’s plays bearing Lanier’s signature, a discovery that adds intrigue to his claim.
While many readers may be skeptical of this theory, as debates about Shakespearean authorship are not new, Hudson’s meticulous research provides a fresh perspective on the question.
He systematically compares Lanier to other figures suggested as Shakespeare’s true author, such as Edward de Vere and Christopher Marlowe, and posits that Lanier’s life aligns more closely with the creation of the plays.
Complete with a detailed bibliography and graphics like a “knowledge map” that links various candidates to specific works, Hudson’s book thoroughly explores one of the most famous literary mysteries.
Whether or not Lanier was the true author, her contribution to literature and her place in history as a groundbreaking poet remains significant.
