The Real Shakespeare (Hardback)
Emilia Bassano Willoughby
Imprint: Pen & Sword History
Pages: 352
Illustrations: 12 mono illustrations
ISBN: 9781399035378
Published: 9th February 2026
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Was Shakespeare a white man from Stratford? Debate still rages over the identity of the most beloved poet of all time and ‘father’ of the English-speaking world. Generations of researchers have tried to dismantle the myth of the Stratford man. Now, in this intriguing and well-documented book, Irene Coslet conclusively demonstrates that Shakespeare was a not a man, but a woman: a dark-skinned lady, of Jewish origin, born into a family of Court musicians from Venice, and the mother of the English-speaking world. Her name was Emilia Bassano.
Based on a re-examination of often-overlooked historical documents, shrewd, chilling, and profound, this volume offers extensive evidence that Emilia was the author of the canon. This is not just a book about the authorship debate: it is about the condition of women at the time Shakespeare was writing. It explains that feminism already existed in Elizabethan and Jacobean England. It reveals not only that Shakespeare was a woman, but also that she defended women. It reintegrates Emilia in the context of the time, for example, by exploring the relationship between Emilia and Queen Elizabeth I. The reader will leave this book with a sense of wonder, transformation, and will experience a paradigm shift. Be prepared to meet the next feminist icon.
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Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Anita Wallas
I’ve enjoyed this book because it presents a number of persuasive possibilities and it generates what should be informed thought and debate, I particularly like her approach to gender and racial stereotyping and she challenges the conventional male dominated patriarchal society. Women are and have been subjugated for centuries and any work which exposes this should be applauded and she explores gender politics in an historical context, Its a book that’s still going round in my head and one I’ll revisit.
As an English teacher of twenty years, a study abroad student who studied Shakespeare in London, and an avid reader, I devoured this book! I loved the text connections to Bassano’s life, the thematic elements surrounding why Bassano as an author makes sense, and just the name connections to so many plays. Many reviews keep saying this book doesn’t disprove Shakespeare as author, but sadly, that is our societal perspective on male vs. female authors. Why are we so quick to believe a man from Stratford-Upon-Avon was so worldly, when it is proven why the Jewish, Moor, feminist points of view would fit Basssano as the original playwright? It not only impacted my understanding of Shakespeare’s plays, but I also loved the connections of why some women are heroines and leaders, while others sit as bystanders to the patriarchy. It will definitely impact how I teach Hamlet, Taming of the Shrew, MOV, R&J, and so many more plays.
NetGalley, Lisa Penninga
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Erika Brantschen Berclaz
A fresh contribution to the discussion surrounding the Shakespearean authorship question. A must have.
About Irene Coslet
Irene Coslet comes to Shakespeare as an expert in feminism. She has studied feminism for 20 years and has been involved in the promotion of gender equality in multiple organisations and countries around the world. She holds several degrees including a Master’s degree in Media at the London School of Economics. She also approaches Shakespeare with a deep knowledge of humanities and the classics. In this book, she combined her expertise in gender and her knowledge of classical antiquity with everything she has learnt in terms of research methodology. This is her first book with Pen and Sword.
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