An utterly seminal work of scholarship. In two volumes, the legendary Chambers captured (in extensive detail) everything that was factually known by the 1930s about Shakespeare the man, his company, playbook printing, acting, each play and poem, as well as all known allusions, lists of performances during his lifetime, and so on. Chambers was one of those core figures whose scholarship laid the groundwork for the remainder of the 20th century.

Of course, for someone who was born the year after Lincoln died, and a volume published at the start of the Great Depression, it is now useful primarily as a source text rather than for an expectation of up-to-date information. So much incredible research has been done, so many facts come to light, so much technology and collaboration over 95 years, that Chambers' work is now in the annals of Bardolatry rather than the driving seat. Still, much of his writing remains admirable, especially his insights on issues such as whether Shakespeare's reliance on older texts lessens his achievement in light of the 20th century's greater interest in authenticity. Constantly engaging.

What an achievement. ( )