Is it true that Shakespeare's father couldn't read or write? What really happened during his "Lost Years?" Why did he retire from writing while only in his early 40s? William Shakespeare: A Very Peculiar History explores the life and work of the man generally considered the greatest writer in the English language. By dispelling common myths and revealing fascinating trivia, and briefly examining all his major plays, this little gift book attempts to answer many of the often-disputed questions about the Bard.