Scholars conclude ‘beyond doubt’ that Shakespeare was main author of Edward III
Exclusive: Play anonymously published in 1596 was collaboration between Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe, according to computer analysis
TL;DR
- Computerised textual analysis provides strong evidence that William Shakespeare was the main author of the play 'Edward III'.
- The research also unexpectedly reveals Christopher Marlowe as a collaborator on the play, published anonymously in 1596.
- This discovery suggests a more complex relationship between Shakespeare and Marlowe than previously understood, moving beyond simple rivalry.
- The study analyzed linguistic features and 'marker' words to distinguish between the authors' contributions.
- Shakespeare is attributed with the majority of segments, while Marlowe is credited with a significant portion, including specific speeches.
- This finding has major implications for both the Shakespeare and Marlowe canons and our understanding of their literary careers.