Page "Edward III (play)" Paragraph 50

The principal arguments against Shakespeare's authorship are its not being included in the First Folio of Shakespeare's plays in 1623, and its being unmentioned in Francis Meres ' Palladis Tamia ( 1598 ), a work that lists many ( but not all ) of Shakespeare's early plays.

Some critics view the play as not worthy of Shakespeare's writing ability, and passages resembling his style attributable to imitation or plagiarism.

Despite this, many critics have seen some passages as having a Shakespearean ring to them.

In 1760, noted Shakespearean editor Edward Capell included the play in his Prolusions ; or, Select Pieces of Ancient Poetry, Compil'd with great Care from their several Originals, and Offer'd to the Publicke as Specimens of the Integrity that should be Found in the Editions of worthy Authors, and concluded that it had been written by Shakespeare.

However, Capell's conclusion was not embraced by scholars.