In this episode, we examine the connection between poetry and plague in the early 1590s. An outbreak of the recurring sickness contributed to Shakespeare’s early career as a poet, and that poetry likely included his many sonnets. We also examine how an old acquaintance from Shakespeare’s hometown emerged as one of the leading printers in London and how his print shop influenced the development of English during the Elizabethan period.
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I have been listening to your podcast for ages and love it. Listen while walking the dog! I just finished episode 170 and can go no further. I thought there were more episodes?
That was the most recent episode. New episodes are released each month.
Thank you – I had thought I had seen later episodes. I love the podcast – your knowledge is amazing.
The name “Bash Bish Falls” in western Massachusetts is a beautiful place to visit, but the name never sounded right to me. After listening to this episode, I know why. I don’t want to give it away here. And of course, “Bash Bish” does not negate your point in the podcast, as this name is not of English origin.
Kevin, thanks for the great work you do.
Thanks for the episode! I wonder if you took a look at the oddball Sonnet 145. Though in the Dark Lady sequence, some evidence suggests it was written much earlier, perhaps in 1582 when the 18-year old Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway. In the closing couplet, “hate away” resembles “Hathaway” (in Elizabethan pronunciation), and “And sav’d my life” might be heard as “Anne saved my life”. Further, this sonnet deviates from all the others by Shakespeare, being in (iambic) tetrameter, rather than pentameter. See the “Sonnet 145” Wikipedia article for more details.
Great show every time! Much of what you discussed is covered by German scholar Hildegard Hammerschmidt-Hummel in her “Life and TImes of William Shakespeare.” I’d love to hear more about the sources you used for this excellent episode. Thanks!
I have now posted the transcript of this episode. The transcript contains specific references to the primary sources used.
Just out of interest, is there anywhere I can find additional information on the non-phonetic pronunciation of Henry Wriothesley’s (Southampton’s) name?
There is a waterfall in western Massachusetts named Bash Bish Falls. I have always found if difficult to say “Bash Bish”. I would much rather say “Bish Bash”. Now I know why. Thanks.
I love the podcast