Larry Cotler asked a question of such depth there was no time during the Band of Brothers conference for an answer. We look forward to receiving your comments, answers or suggestions:
Right then. Does anyone feel strongly about what evidence will be needed before the world, in general, accepts de Vere as the uncontested author of the Canon?
Gareth Price asked much the same question:
When do you think the " establishment" will actually except Edward De Vere is the true Shakespeare, as the actual evidence is becoming overwelming and hard to discount!
Perhaps more time needs to pass. Being 71 myself, I hope I will be permitted to observe that we old folks can get set in our ways. People who are not only old, but also hold academic positions of power may abuse their authority to make sure younger people don't prove them wrong when their ideas--including about who wrote Shakespeare--are fundamentally flawed. I'm optimistic that, as time goes by, younger scholars will find the nerve to speak up. Those who do will have marvelous opportunities to shift paradigms and make truly fundamental discoveries, as they link Shakespeare's works with the person who actually wrote them. It motivates me to try to stay healthy, so I might live long enough to see this happen.