Is It Shakespeare's Confession?: The Cryptogram in His Epitaph (Classic Reprint)

Is there a hidden confession in Shakespeare’s epitaph? A cryptogram points the way. This provocative nonfiction work presents a detailed look at a cipher claimed to be embedded in the epitaph for Shakespeare. Written by Herbert Janvrin Browne, it argues that the text may reveal who wrote Shakespeare’s plays and why the author’s name appears in the puzzle.

In clear, approachable language, the book explains how cryptographers think about hidden messages and why this epitaph is considered a remarkable example. It walks through the author’s premise, the method used to uncover the cipher, and the historical context surrounding the Shakespeare-Bacon controversy. The focus stays on the puzzle itself and what the solution could imply for readers interested in literary mystery, Shakespeare, and early modern cryptography.

• An accessible explanation of cryptogram theory and how a puzzle is constructed within verse


• A step-by-step look at the proposed solution, including key terms and sequences


• Historical notes on the Shakespeare authorship debate and the epitaph’s origin


• Discussion of how such a cipher would be interpreted by scholars and enthusiasts

Ideal for readers of literary history, early modern puzzles, and anyone curious about hidden messages in classic texts. This edition invites you to weigh the evidence and join the conversation around one of literature’s enduring mysteries.