SHAKESPEARE'S LIFE

Evening Star, Issue 21636, 3 February 1934, Page 22

SHAKESPEARE'S LIFE

The atmosphere of the sixteenth century has been exquisitely captured by Carola Oman in ‘ The Best of_ His Family,’ a novel based on the life of William Shakespeare. For Shakespearean students this novel has many arresting features, stating as definite incidents in .Shakespeare’s life which have generally been acceptable as merely probable. The author’s compilation of a bibliography indicates extensive research into the history of the Bard of Avon, yet in the novel there is nothing too heavy or pedantic. So far as can be known by comparison with accredited records ‘ The Best of His Family ’ is a story of remarkable accuracy. While Miss Oman always refers to Will as Shakespeare, the poet’s name was written during his lifetime as Sbakspere; that is perhaps the one debatable point to the story. Shakespeare’s father is definitely stated in the novel to have been the proprietor of a wool store in Stratford. This is interesting in view of the various occupations ascribed to him. Likewise Shakespearean students have never been satisfied as to what occupation the poet followed. Apparently basing her assumption on the researches. Miss Oman tells how he was apprenticed to his father. The author does not quibble on a point of morality and give the benefit of the doubt to Shakespeare in the circumstances of his marriage to Anne Hatheway, his elder by eight years. From then on the novel follows closely the most reliable evidence of Shakespeare’s life. The story is brilliantly written, graceful in style, and redolent of the period. The portrayal of the famous dramatist is clear cut and full, and the interludes of picturesque events and personalities of the sixteenth century are beautifully done. • The Best of His Family ’ is a splendid contribution to Shakespearean bibliography. NV> license has been taken by the author in presenting the poet. Our copy comes from the publishers (Messrs Hodder and Stoughton).