This book consists of essays on Shakespeare's plays and related matters written from an Oxfordian viewpoint (that is, under the assumption that the author was Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford). The first section consists of reviews of performances of the plays, frequently from the 1978-82 BBC series. Other sections explore possible awareness of Oxford's authorship by Sir Walter Scott and Herman Melville. There are detailed analyses of Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Winters's Tale, and Cymbeline, whose putative hero, Posthumus, is identified with the historical figure Henry VII.
"Dr. Berney's investigation into The Spanish Tragedy has expanded our knowledge of plays by Oxford that are commonly attributed to others. His inquiries into various plays' allusions to, and characterizations of, real-life people of the Elizabethan era have carried on the pioneering work of E.T. Clark." - Robert Prechter, author and researcher; Executive Director, Socionomics Institute; President, Elliot Wave International.
"Outstanding scholarship! Dr. Berney's brilliant essays offer an extraordinary revelation. Through his looking glass, our view is always surprising -- there's more on this landscape than we've ever known or even suspected! A Shakespearean treasure to be savored and cherished." --- Hank Whittemore, author, CNN: The Inside Story, The Monument, 100 Reasons Shake-speare was Oxford.
"Dr. Berney has a way with words that never fails to surprise and delight as he brings a keen intellect and an unusual perspective to the Oxfordian subjects he addresses. Who else would have thought to call Sir Walter Scott a 'Paleo-Oxfordian?' Or find in Cymbeline Shakespeare's 'missing' Henry VII play? Even Stratfordians might crack a grin (or perhaps a grimace) at Berney's sly observation that 'If speculation is outlawed, what happens to the works of Stephen Greenblatt, James Shapiro, and Stanley Wells?'" --- James Warren, editor, Index to Oxfordian Publications.