Shadowplay: The Hidden Beliefs and Coded Politics of William Shakespeare Book

"Shadowplay" is a surprisingly quick read if one has an interest in the material. Clare Asquith has written a book that explores Shakespeare's Catholic politics (her thesis) and then proceeds to interweave a chronological analysis of these beliefs as presented in code in his plays. This she intermixes with what is happening in historical England at the time. The result is intriguing to say the least. Whether or not it is true is another matter.
First off, I strongly feel that this book is not worth your time if you have not read most of Shakespeare's work, including the narrative poems. There are too many very detailed references to his plays, plus numerous spoilers of some of his lesser known works. I would imagine that if you had not read the play that Ms. Asquith was referencing the text would be hard to follow. The book is also written in an academic style and I believe it would not be enjoyable for someone who is a casual Shakespeare fan. Historical knowledge of the period is also a major plus. When I was unfamiliar with the Shakespeare text she was examining I could usually follow the historical references she was connecting to the play.
Ms. Asquith makes compelling arguments for her thesis, but sometimes she assumes too much for me to go along. I first noticed this in the section of the book called "By My Two Faiths" where too many leaps are taken without any proof rendered. I also could not go along with Asquith's contention that the character of Hamlet was a surrogate for Sir Philip Sidney. It is an idea she does not adequately provide evidence for and I thought it a bit much. However, her weakest leap of faith is her conspiracy theory about Shakespeare's play "Henry VIII". Again, no evidence is given other than conjecture, thus her assumptions are unconvincing. Her thoughts on this play are the stuff of movies, and do her considerable book and her obvious intellect a disservice.
Still, there are moments in the text where Asquith's ideas seem the only plausible explanation. This is especially notable in her section on Shakespeare's sonnets. Her study and interpretation of them give many of these pieces a sense and lucidity that they never held for me before I read her ideas about them. Also compelling is her argument for "Twelfth Night" as a coded work. Her connection between the plot and action of the play and historical context are very well done. It is hard to not be convinced by Ms. Asquith when she renders support for her ideas.
I won't speak to the validity of the premise of "Shadowplay". Arguments for and against Asquith's theories have ample support. But one thing I will say is that I do not feel that "Shadowplay" is a text to be taken lightly, and I certainly don't see it as a disservice to the study of Shakespeare. Your appreciation of the Bard will be enhanced by this text, whether you agree with Ms. Asquith or not. I still don't know how I feel about her ideas, I am inclined to disagree with them, but I am glad that I read this book.