Shakespeare's friends

the long version

"This work gives readers the chance to learn more about Shakespeare's friends, who they were and what they can tell us about Shakespeare and his times. For instance, Shakespeare's boyhood friend and fellow student, Richard Field, became a well-known London printer. The details of Field's life illuminate both the details of Shakespeare's boyhood education and the poet's relationship with the printing, publishing, and book-selling world in London. Francis Collins, a lawyer who represented Shakespeare in a number of legal dealings, drafted both versions of Shakespeare's will. This life-long friend was one of the last men ever to see Shakespeare pick up a pen to write. Through this comprehensive collection of vivid and animated sketches, readers will come to know more about Shakespeare's life and times."--Jacket.