Willobie His Avisa

By George Bagshaw Harrison

"Willobie His Avisa" is an intriguing piece of Elizabethan literature that has captivated scholars for centuries. Written in verse, it recounts the story of Avisa, a woman of exceptional beauty and steadfast virtue, who successfully resists the persistent advances of several suitors from different backgrounds. Beyond its moral narrative, the work is of immense historical and literary significance due to its potential connection to William Shakespeare. Many researchers believe the character "W.S.", described as an "old player" who advises a younger suitor, refers to the Bard himself, making this one of the earliest contemporary mentions of Shakespeare in print.

The work provides a window into the social and literary climate of the late sixteenth century. The poem's blend of satire, romance, and mystery offers readers a unique perspective on Tudor-era courtship and the complexities of Renaissance authorship. Whether approached as a scholarly puzzle or a classic example of Elizabethan poetry, "Willobie His Avisa" remains a cornerstone for those interested in the Shakespearean era and the development of English literary tradition.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1026087473
• ISBN13: 9781026087473
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 276 Pages
• Weight: 0.86 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.2"