Anne Cecil, Elizabeth & Oxford: A Study of Relations Between These Three by Percy Allen

Anne Cecil, Elizabeth & Oxford is one of Percy Allen’s most significant and uncommon works on the Oxfordian theory of Shakespearean authorship. Published in London by D. Archer in 1934, this detailed study examines the relationships between Anne Cecil, Queen Elizabeth I and Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, presenting Allen’s interpretation of literary and historical evidence in support of the theory that Oxford was the true author of the works traditionally attributed to William Shakespeare. The volume also considers the Duke of Alençon and draws extensively on works including A Lover’s Complaint, A Hundreth Sundrie Flowres, Spenser’s The Faerie Queene, Mother Hubberd’s Tale, Muiopotmos, together with numerous Shakespearean plays and poems.

Percy Allen was one of the leading proponents of the Oxfordian theory during the early twentieth century, and this work remains an important primary source for collectors of Shakespeareana, Elizabethan history, literary criticism and alternative authorship studies. While controversial in its conclusions, Anne Cecil, Elizabeth & Oxford continues to attract interest from scholars and collectors interested in one of literature’s most enduring debates.

This title has become genuinely scarce in the antiquarian book trade. Despite extensive research, very few copies have appeared on the market in recent years, making Anne Cecil, Elizabeth & Oxford considerably more difficult to acquire than many other Oxfordian publications. Copies are preserved in major research collections, including the Folger Shakespeare Library and the National Library of Ireland, and the work is also recorded in the catalogue of Sigmund Freud’s personal library, further highlighting its historical significance.

A desirable and increasingly elusive first edition for collectors of Shakespeareana, Tudor history, literary history, rare scholarly works and the Oxfordian movement.

Condition – Good

1934 blue cloth hardcover. Boards rubbed with wear to the spine ends and corners. Gilt decoration and lettering remain largely legible. Light foxing to the title page and age-related toning. No dust jacket. Binding is sound and internally clean overall.