For over four centuries, one play has stood apart from the official canon of William Shakespeare. It was published without an author’s name, and for decades, scholars have debated who wrote the text. Now, a new computer-based study offers a surprising answer. *Edward III* was likely the work of two of Elizabethan England’s greatest playwrights: […]

Exclusive: Play anonymously published in 1596 was collaboration between Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe, according to computer analysis

Dramatic new evidence concludes that the play Edward III should be added to William Shakespeare’s canon, and also that it was a major collaboration with his contemporary rival Christopher Marlowe.

The history was published anonymously in 1596, and it has long been thought that Shakespeare wrote at least a few scenes. However, Dr Rory Loughnane, a leading scholar and co-author of the research, told the Guardian that computerised textual analysis pushed the case “beyond any reasonable doubt” that the Stratford-born playwright was the principal writer.

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© Photograph: Geraint Lewis/ArenaPAL

© Photograph: Geraint Lewis/ArenaPAL

© Photograph: Geraint Lewis/ArenaPAL

The Folger Shakespeare Library's newest exhibition maps an unlikely historical connection between Black women and the works of William Shakespeare. Nearly 100 objects document the stories of renowned scholars, popular actors and little-known historic figures. Geoff Bennett spoke with curator Patricia Akhimie. It's for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.

Thirty years ago, Leonardo DiCaprio, at just 21, won the hearts of half the world starring opposite Claire Danes in Romeo + Juliet, a modern adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic directed and adapted by Baz Luhrmann.

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