Shakespeare's Bible

Leland Ryken, Professor of English at Wheaton College, has written a fascinating essay on Shakespeare, the Genevan Bible, and Shakespeare’s use of it. He notes that, “Without Tyndale, no Shakespeare” has become a cliche among historians of the English language. Ryken commends the well-founded idea that Shakespeare’s extensive understanding of the Bible was consistent with the fact that he was a voracious reader in general. “Shakespeare is one of our most ‘bookish’ writers,” he says. He then turns his attention to illustrating how Shakespeare uses the Bible in his work. Check it out; especially if you are fan of Shakespeare this brief essay is well worth your time.