The Fugitive Shakespeare and Sonnet 144

The discovery of a 16th-century manuscript of Shakespeare’s Sonnet 144 is hailed as one of the most significant finds in Shakespearean studies, offering intriguing insights into the playwright's early life and authorship. Dated to around 1577-78, when William Shakespeare was only 13-14 years old, the manuscript raises questions about his early involvement with the work and its survival over centuries. The story also explores the historic connection between Shakespeare and Ben Jonson, shedding light on their influence and the enduring mystery surrounding Shakespeare’s authorship.