31 Pages1946, Horizon
The Shakespeare-Bacon Controversy centers on whether Sir Francis Bacon, not William Shakespeare, wrote the plays and sonnets attributed to Shakespeare. While evidence suggests Bacon’s authorship, the complex network of codes and ciphers he allegedly incorporated into his writings seems excessive for the purported purposes of proving his lineage or authorship. The existence of these codes, tracing back to Bacon, presents a riddle: why would a man of his intelligence and purpose employ such an elaborate and time-consuming method to convey information that could have been communicated more simply? The text explores the possibility that Francis Bacon, a prominent figure in early 17th-century literature, concealed his true intentions and discoveries within his works. It suggests that Bacon, driven by a desire to establish a philosophical empire, may have used ciphers and hidden meanings to protect his knowledge from premature discovery or misuse. The text proposes that the Shakespeare-Bacon controversy itself might be a part of this elaborate program of concealment, with Bacon using the identity of William Shakespeare as a mask for his deeper philosophical and esoteric teachings.
The text explores the possibility that Francis Bacon, rather than William Shakespeare, was the true author of Shakespeare’s works. It draws parallels between Bacon and other enigmatic figures of the time, such as Christian Rosenkreutz and Hiram Abiff, suggesting they may represent symbolic personas. The text concludes by examining a three-headed figure, possibly representing Bacon’s various roles, and suggests Bacon’s ultimate goal was a universal reformation and the establishment of a Philosophic Empire. Francis Bacon envisioned a hidden empire of creative spirits, the Empire of the Concealed Poets, as a means to accelerate human progress and reveal divine purpose. This secret society, akin to a Masonic Lodge, was depicted in 17th-century literature as a gathering of poets on Mount Parnassus, led by Bacon as High Chancellor. The empire’s influence extended to Rosicrucianism, with Johann Valentin Andreae, believed to be a Baconian ally, playing a key role in its dissemination. Francis Bacon’s coat of arms, featuring a boar and Roman soldiers, symbolizes his bold spirit, wisdom, and claim to the Estates of Verulam. Bacon is believed to have founded a secret society of philosophers, aiming to renovate knowledge, restore theology, and perfect the arts. This society, known as the Secret Empire of the Poets, sought to create a philosophic empire and perpetuate its principles through a hidden, inner-over government. The text explores the idea that William Shakespeare was a symbol, representing the “Ape of Learning”—a figure embodying the false facade of scholarship and the pretentiousness of human knowledge. It suggests that the controversy surrounding Shakespeare’s existence is a deliberate distraction, keeping the true nature of this “Ape” in view. The text further delves into the concept of “Art” as the perfection of nature through intelligence, highlighting humanity’s tendency to claim knowledge and superiority over nature while remaining its servant. Bacon, through his philosophy and the works of Shakespeare, illustrates how drama mirrors life and how appearances often conceal deeper truths. He critiques the tendency to attribute significance to secondary causes, likening this to the worship of Shakespeare as the sole author of his works. Bacon’s cipher, embedded in his writings, serves as a method for unraveling hidden truths, emphasizing the importance of inductive reasoning and the elimination of non-essentials in pursuit of knowledge.
