Shapiro's scholarship is impressive, and the fact that he bases so much of what he says on his research prevents his book from getting into mere speculation about Shakespeare, which is what so many Shakespeare biographies consist of. It's also a very good read!

A fascinating glimpse into London of 1599 and Shakespeare's activities that year, including how that year's plays came to be written.

Amazingly interesting, not only about Shakespeare and the plays he was writing but also about politics, Elisabeth, Essex and anything important happening around that year. A bit of love, hate and war in there as well of course, good for us! It gives biographies a new meaning and dimension.
I love this book.

He wrote for his audience, not us, and seeing that makes the plays even more interesting