Shakespeare''s Bastard: The Life of Sir William Davenant

Sir William Davenant (16061668) Poet Laureate and Civil War hero is one of the most influential and neglected figures in the history of British theatre. He introduced opera, actresses, scenes and the proscenium arch to the English stage. Narrowly escaping execution for his Royalist activities during the Civil War, he revived theatrical performances in London, right under Oliver Cromwells nose. Nobody, perhaps, did more to secure Shakespeares reputation or to preserve the memory of the Bard. Davenant was known to boast over a glass of wine that he wrote with the very spirit of Shakespeare and was happy to be thought of as Shakespeares son. By recounting the story of his eventful life backwards, through his many trials and triumphs, this biography culminates with a fresh examination of the vexed issue of Davenants paternity. Was Sir Williams mother the voluptuous and maddening Dark Lady of Shakespeares Sonnets, and was he Shakespeares lovely boy?