“How I Became an Oxfordian” is a periodic series of essays from members about the origins of their interest in the Shakespeare Authorship question. Every Oxfordian has his or her own story about the events that led to that moment of recognition when it became clear that Oxford had to be the real Shakespeare. Every Oxfordian’s story is unique and an inspiration to other Oxfordians and to people new to the authorship question. Bob Meyers, President Emeritus of the National Press Foundation, is editor of this series and wants to hear from you about how you became an Oxfordian. SOF members, send your essay (500 words or less in an editable form such as a Word document), along with a digital photo of yourself to communications@shakespeareoxfordfellowship.org.
Jack M. Shuttleworth, Ph.D. Brigadier General, USAF (ret.) Professor of English, Emeritus, USAF Academy The short version: I became an Oxfordian because Susanna and
Jens Münnichow is a historian and German philologist, lives in a small town in the Mannheim/Heidelberg region of Southern Germany and works as a tutor.
Born in London into crime and poverty, Katherine began the long climb to education as a mature adult, gaining a BA in Fine Art
Diana Reynolds Roome is an award-winning writer and editor and a former editor at the Stanford Graduate School of Business for academic papers and case
Mark Jackson was a marine insurance broker, sailor, and cyclist from Seattle. He was one of the founding members of the Seattle Shakespeare Oxford Society
December 3, 2021 As a man who loved the power of words, David Lloyd Kreeger was attracted to “the profundity of Shakespeare’s understanding of human
August 2, 2021 When I was ten, my mother took me to Franco Zeffirelli’s ground-breaking Romeo and Juliet on the big screen. I begged for
July 6, 2021 My affinity for Shakespeare began when I was eight years old, while visiting Anne Hathaway’s cottage, where I purchased a small leather-bound
June 1, 2021 I’ve taught Shakespeare for almost three decades. I’ve strutted the stage in live Shakespeare productions. I’ve shepherded dozens of students through the
January 19, 2021 When I read about how others became Oxfordians, I’m always surprised how people know so clearly. My experience was a slower evolution.
December 8, 2020 I had help becoming an Oxfordian. My father, a hard-headed businessman, was interested in the authorship question. I remember at an early
November 24, 2020 “Who cares,” right? Through high school and college, I became reasonably educated in the literature of Shakespeare. My primary major in college
From de Vere to Eternity November 14, 2020 Can a sixteen-year-old play Hamlet? I looked the part. More than one surprised witness expressed appreciation. Three
October 30, 2020 I had a conversion experience. I specialized in Elizabethan Literature (LizLit) when I got my degree, and came out of school embracing
October 14, 2020 My first real exposure to the Shakespeare authorship question came some time in the 1980s. While I was aware that some “oddballs”
September 24, 2020 After experiencing some of “Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits” throughout high school, I was eager to take every Shakespeare course that college had to
