ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with William Shakespeare in the Public Records, both in Stratford and in London, followed by allusions in literary and theatrical records, which concern performances and publication of Shakespeare's works in London. It assesses the primary material for Shakespeare not just to its extent but more importantly as to its limitations. The chapter examines allusions to Shakespeare in print. Autobiographical documents are the most important for understanding a subject's character and experiences. From study of intimate sources of biographical data, biographers attempt to explain motive and rationalise the subject's life decisions. The most informative material comes from the records of witnesses who recorded personal opinions about Shakespeare. Only a small number of contemporary witnesses pay testimony to Shakespeare. The major source of biographical evidence is found in public records and archives, example births, marriages, deaths, and contracts. Biographers investigate such records so as to give an objective framework to the life.
