Testimonials From Wenonah Sharpe, Oxfordian Scholar: Fascinating reading . . . often more sympathetic to our life experiences and common sense than some interpretations I've seen. An at-times-dizzying new interpretation of the Sonnets and of the Shakespeare conundrum--negating the conventional wisdom that there is nothing new to be said about Shakespeare. Dr. Gordon's close reading of the Sonnets sometimes contrasts with other new theories, sometimes agrees or even augments them....Her explication of the notoriously opaque introduction to the Sonnets compels attention despite our reflexive distrust of ciphers and anagrams.... . From Karen Whicker Ellis, English teacher I wish I'd had Helen Gordon's book when I was teaching Shakespeare's sonnets to high school students. They would have found the paraphrases extremely helpful and the love story strongly compelling. Her insightful commentaries on the sonnets are both enjoyable and revealing. They certainly cast new light on Shakespeare's sonnets with unusual, refreshing interpretations -- a must-read for all lovers of English literature. From Heidi Winn, M. S., Licensed Psychotherapist As a long-time admirer of both Shakespeare's and Dr. Gordon's literary work, I was entranced by The Secret Love Story in Shakespeare's Sonnets. I found it hard to put down, as I couldn't wait to discover what was hidden in the next sonnet! Even readers who are not well-versed in Shakespearean literature will enjoy this intriguing, encrypted love story. Heidi Winn, M.S. Licensed Psychotherapist

Of Shakespeare's sonnets we know the crystalline meter, exquisite diction, and exhilarating surprise of the "turn" in the final couplet. By contrast, we know very little of their subjects and motives. This book does not approach the sonnets as Shakespearean autobiography but instead delineates the customs that shaped the poet's world and thus his sonnets. It argues for understanding them as brilliant, edgy expressions of the equally brilliant, edgy culture of the English Renaissance.

The greatest sonnets ever written, by the greatest poet and playwright in the English language

An original account of the reception and influence of Shakespeare's Sonnets in his own time and in later literary history.

From the Back Cover: William Shakespeare portrayed the sweeping emotions of love like no other poet. Here is a beautiful collection of thirty of the bard's most romantic sonnets-timeless musings on affection and longing, passion and desire-paired with modern illustrations by Caitlin Keegan. A beautiful blend of old and new, this is the perfect expression of love for any occasion.