Elizabeth Wells Gallup

Elizabeth Wells Gallup was an American educator and a prominent advocate of the Baconian theory of Shakespearean authorship, which posited that Sir Francis Bacon was the true author of Shakespeare's works. Born in Paris, New York, she dedicated much of her life to exploring and promoting this controversial theory, challenging the traditional attribution of the plays and sonnets to William Shakespeare. Gallup's work included extensive research and publications that aimed to provide evidence supporting her claims, making her a significant figure in the realm of literary criticism and authorship studies. Her notable contributions include her book 'The Philosophy of the Plays of Shakspere Unfolded,' where she articulated her arguments for Bacon's authorship and critiqued the established views of Shakespeare's literary legacy. Gallup's advocacy for the Baconian theory not only sparked debates among scholars but also influenced subsequent generations of literary critics and theorists. Despite the contentious nature of her claims, her work remains a part of the ongoing discourse surrounding authorship and the interpretation of Shakespeare's works, solidifying her legacy as a key figure in literary history.