It's the Pros (Stratfordians) vs Cons (Ant-Stratfordians) in the Match of the Millenium

In the great Shakespeare Authorship Controversy, it's mainly the "Stratfordians" (those who know beyond a doubt that William Shakespeare, born in Stratford-upon-Avon in England, is truly the author of the works attributed to him) vs. the "Oxfordians" (those who are certain that it was really Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford, who wrote under the pseudonym of William Shakespeare). But Oxford is only one of a number of candidates that "Anti-Stratfordian" radicals believe could be the "true Shakespeare." Other contenders include Francis Bacon (an old favorite) and Christopher Marlowe, playwright and namesake of the "Marlovian" side of the debate.



Much of the Stratfordian argument consists of insisting that it's the literature that matters, not the biography of the author; and yet, it's a staunch stance that refuses to cede to the Anti-Stratfordians. These radicals, much slandered by conservative academia, can't fathom that Shakespeare - who would have only had a grammar school education and most likely never left England - could have written the worldly, complex Shakespearean works. And Stratfordians call them snobs.


It needs to be noted that this is not a traditional debate - one of opinion - but one of historical fact; it's more of a question of, "What evidence do you believe more?" But whether Shakespeare actually wrote Shakespeare could have a profound effect on anyone who's ever touched his words - which is nearly everyone. And so the Stratfordians and the Anti-Stratfordians go boldly into academic battle, armed with history, logic, and strong allegiance to the Bard, whomever they believe him to be.