Diary of the Rev. John Ward, A.M., Vicar of Stratford-upon-Avon, Extending from 1648 to 1679. From the Original Mss. Preserved in the Library of the Medical Society of London. [William Shakespeare] [Shakespeareana]

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xix, 315 pp. 8vo. Half calf, gilt titles and decorations, marbled boards. A diary now well-known for its references to the famous playwright William Shakespeare, who of course was born in Stratford-upon-Avon. Shakespeare died about 13 years before Ward was born, but had family members who lived in the area during Ward's life, for which reason Ward felt an obligation to become familiar with his life and work. The diary also includes details regarding Ward's practice as a medical doctor in Stratford, and references to the Ward family's loyalty to the Royalist cause during the English Civil War. This transcription also includes a brief biography by Charles Severn. "John Ward, vicar of Stratford-upon-Avon and physician, collected extensive notes on religion, medicine, and literature alongside miscellaneous gossip. This notebook contains several references to Shakespeare: the only known account of Shakespeare’s death; a reference to Shakespeare’s earnings, lifestyle, and “natural wit”; a reminder to himself “to peruse Shakespeare’s plays” so that he would not be “ignorant in that matter”; and mention of Shakespeare's two daughters, one whom married the physician John Hall and had a daughter, Lady Barnard of Abington. This is a reference to Shakespeare's grandchild Elizabeth. She married Thomas Nash in 1626, and then John Barnard in 1649. Modernized/Translated transcription: [fol. 138v] Shakespeare had but 2 daughters one whereof Mr. Hall the physician married and by her had one daughter, to wit the Lady Bernard of Abingdon. [fol. 140r] I have heard that Mr. Shakespeare was a natural wit without any art at all. He frequented the plays all his younger time, but in his elder days lived at Stratford: and supplied the stage with 2 plays every year and for that had an allowance so large that he spent at the rate of £1000 a year as I have heard. Remember to peruse Shakespeare’s plays and be versed in them that I may not be ignorant in that matter. [fol. 150r] Shakespeare, Drayton, and Ben Jonson had a merry meeting and it seems drank too hard for Shakespeare died of a fever there contracted. - Shakespeare Documented Show more