The Arte of English Poesie: The Case for Edward de Vere's [Shakespeare's] Authorship

Abstract

I challenge the traditional attribution of the 1589 "Arte of English Poesie" to George Puttenham. The psychological and methodological obstacles one must overcome in making such a case mirror those faced in challenging the traditional attribution of the works of William Shakespeare to Shakespeare of Stratford. After reviewing the evidence on which the traditional attribution of the "Arte" is based, I next examine bibliographical and historical evidence that point to Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, as the author of this anonymous work. As part of the trail of evidence links the "Arte" to the poet known as 'Ignoto.' I therefore present evidence to support J.T. Looney's claim that Ignoto was Edward de Vere.