William Shakespeare's First Published Works: Debunking Myths and Clarifying Facts

Often mistaken, the notion that William Shakespeare wrote a novel or a specific first book is a misconception. In reality, Shakespeare was a renowned playwright and poet, and his debut works were not books but rather plays and poetic pieces.

Shakespeare's Literary Beginnings

There is considerable debate among scholars regarding his earliest play, with Titus Andronicus being one of the contenders. However, the majority of academic consensus points to his three parts of King Henry VI (Parts 1, 2, and 3) as his earliest works, written between 1589-1591. Interestingly, even scholars suggest that the play 'Edmund Ironside' might have been accredited to him, although this has not been definitively proven.

Debunking the Myth of a First Book

One common misconception is that Shakespeare wrote a book early in his career. In reality, Shakespeare never wrote books in the novel form; instead, he focused on playwriting and poetry. The earliest printed works that bear his name are two long poems, Venus and Adonis (1593) and The Rape of Lucrece (1594).

The Published Poetry

Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece were both dedicated to Henry Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton, who became one of Shakespeare's patrons. These poems showcase his poetic talent and were published soon after their creation, highlighting the rapid rise in his literary career.

Challenges in Dating Early Works

The difficulty in definitively dating early works, including plays and poems, is a common challenge for literary scholars. The recording of publication dates was rare during that era, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact years of his works. As a result, the chronology of Shakespeare's plays and poetry is often subject to scholarly debate.

Counterintuitive Scholarly Opinion

Many scholars argue that Shakespeare's first published work was not a play but rather Venus and Adonis or The Rape of Lucrece. This is counterintuitive to the assumption that his first works would be plays, considering the popularity and complexity of his later theatrical pieces. Despite this, plays like Richard III (supposedly written between 1590-1592) have also been suggested as his earliest work.

Conclusion

William Shakespeare's early literary works were primarily plays and poems, with his debut poem Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece being his first published works. These early pieces not only reflect his poetic talent but also mark the beginning of his illustrious career in the literary world. He never wrote a novel or a specific first book, and the debate over his earliest play is a testament to the richness and depth of his early works.