"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