Publication of Shakespeare's Sonnets (1609)

In 1609, London publisher Thomas Thorpe issued the quarto of Shakespeare's Sonnets, containing 154 poems and 'A Lover's Complaint'. The volume features a dedication to 'Mr. W.H.' signed by Thorpe, sparking debate over whether Shakespeare authorized the publication or was absent from the process.

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Background and detail

Publication Details. Thomas Thorpe entered the book in the Stationers' Register on 20 May 1609. The resulting quarto, titled Shake-speare's Sonnets, contains 154 sonnets followed by the poem 'A Lover's Complaint'. This publication is the primary source for the sonnet sequence, distinguishing it from earlier pirated versions or sonnets embedded in plays.

Dedication and Authority. The volume includes a dedication to 'Mr. W.H.', described as the 'only begetter' of the sonnets. The initials 'T.T.' in the signature refer to Thomas Thorpe. Scholars debate whether Thorpe signed because Shakespeare was absent or because the publication lacked the author's explicit permission, with some viewing Thorpe as reputable and others as predatory.

Identity of W.H.. The identity of 'W.H.' remains uncertain. While some scholars propose William Herbert, others suggest William 'Willie' Hughes. The dedication's phrasing has led to extensive speculation about the relationship between the poet, the dedicatee, and the publisher, though no definitive identification is established in the sources.

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