Oxfordian theory

The Oxfordian theory is a hypothesis that suggests William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon did not write the plays and poems attributed to him. Instead, it proposes that Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, was the true author. Advocates believe de Vere’s education, travel, and literary background align more closely with the knowledge exhibited in Shakespeare’s works. The theory arose from skepticism about Shakespeare’s humble background and the idea that only someone of noble birth could have created such sophisticated literature. It remains a controversial alternative to the mainstream view that William Shakespeare authored the works bearing his name.