This work investigates the biographical facts of William Shakespeare's life by rigorously separating documented evidence from later conjecture. E. K. Chambers, a preeminent Shakespearean scholar, utilizes his extensive archival research to present a chronological account of the playwright's existence. By grounding the narrative in primary source documents, the author constructs a framework that prioritizes historical accuracy over the romanticized myths that often surround the Bard's life.

Scholars and historians frequently cite this text as a foundational reference for its meticulous approach to archival evidence. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a standard resource for those seeking a factual basis for Shakespearean biography.