17 DECEMBER 1921, Page 23

William Shakespeare and William Shaksper : Dual or Singular? By

Edward Watson. (P. 8. King. 6d. net.)-Mr. Watson attempts in twelve pages to give " a précis of what is known with certainty regarding William Shaksper or William Shakespeare." He concludes that either a young man without education, means, influence or advantages " went to London and wrote the plays, or that " the gifted author " planned " an elaborate mystification." Unfortunately, Mr. Watson's precis is sadly incomplete. The case for the belief that the young man from Stratford wrote the plays is far stronger than Mr. Watson supposes.