GRAHAM HOLDERNESS is Professor of English, Dean of Humanities, Languages and Education and Director of Research Policy at the University of Hertfordshire, UK.

Acclaimed as the greatest dramatist of all time, William Shakespeare needs little introduction. Or does he? Going beyond Shakespeare the writer and actor, Graham Holderness explores the fact and fiction, tradition and myth, surrounding Shakespeare's life.
Combining biography and fictional narrative, Holderness takes a fresh critical approach to the problem of piecing together a definitive account of Shakespeare's life and work from scant historical information. Instead, this study builds upon and examines the many theories that surround the life of this well-known, yet remarkably unknown man. Nine Shakespeares are presented: writer, player, butcher boy, businessman, husband, friend, lover, Catholic and portrait. By carefully critiquing these biographies and reimagining these nine men, Nine Lives of William Shakespeare creates a unique picture of how this playwright became Shakespeare as he is understood today.
Shakespeare Now! is a series of short books that engage imaginatively and often provocatively with the possibilities of Shakespeare's plays. It goes back to the source - the most living language imaginable - and recaptures the excitement, audacity and surprise of Shakespeare. It will return you to the plays with opened eyes.

Introduction \ 1. LIFE ONE: Shakespeare the Writer: Story: 'The Shakespeare Code'\ 2. LIFE TWO: Shakespeare the Player: Memoir: 'Master Shakespeare's Instructions to the Actors'\ 3. LIFE THREE: Shakespeare the Businessman: Story: 'Best for Winter' \ 4. LIFE FOUR: Shakespeare in Love: 'Husband, I come': Memoir: 'Shakespeare's Ring: First Circle' \ 5. LIFE FIVE: Shakespeare in Love: 'Fair Friend': Story: 'The Adventure of Shakespeare's Ring' \ 6. LIFE SIX: Shakespeare in Love: 'A Female Evil': Story: 'Full Circle' \ 7. LIFE SEVEN: Shakespeare the Butcher Boy: Memoir: 'Some further account of the life &c. of Mr William Shakespear' \ 8. LIFE EIGHT: Shakespeare the Catholic: Story: 'He dyed a papist' \ 9. LIFE NINE: Shakespeare's Face: Fable: 'An Account of a Voyage to Bardolo' \ Index