In this engaging audiobook version of The Lodger Shakespeare, acclaimed author Charles Nicholl unravels a detective story that offers fresh insights into William Shakespeare’s life. The narrative centers around a court case from 1612, the only instance where Shakespeare’s actual spoken words were recorded. While the case appears routine—a dispute over an unpaid marriage dowry—it provides a unique glimpse into the dramatist’s obscure life during a pivotal time when he was writing notable plays such as Othello, Measure for Measure, and King Lear.

The audiobook guides listeners through the intricacies of Shakespeare’s daily context in Jacobean London, depicting him as “one Mr. Shakespeare,” lodging in the room upstairs. Nicholl, regarded as a master of historical detective work, threads together evidence from various sources to create a rich, detailed account of this fascinating period. This version of the book offers an immersive experience, allowing listeners to explore new dimensions of Shakespeare’s life and work.