Description: This lively and original book challenges all previous accounts of Shakespeare's early life and works. Eric Sams presents a vivid biographical picture of Shakespeare's first thirty years, traces the impact of his upbringing in the language and imagery of his early plays, and argues compellingly that during these early "lost" years, Shakespeare was in fact writing first versions of his later great works.

"This is a handsome book to see and hold. ... It takes a common-sense, orderly look at the evidence and presents it dispassionately. It is a collation of great intellectual skill. As a contribution to the biographical school of Shakespearean criticism, it is invaluable". -- John Idris Jones, The New Welsh Review

"The book is well worth reading, for it really does set out a common-sense perspective of a stage-struck self-educated young spark ebulliently aware of his own talent and striving every which-way to fulfil it". -- John Arden, Times Education Supplement

"An exhilarating read.... The tone is brisk, forceful, even light-hearted, the cross-referencing very thorough; and there is a cascade of incidental information to enrich the ordinary man's reading to the works". -- Mervyn Horder, Contemporary Review

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