Scholars have concluded "beyond any reasonable doubt" that William Shakespeare was the main author of Edward III, a play published anonymously in 1596, according to new computerised textual analysis.
The research also finds that Shakespeare collaborated significantly on the work with Christopher Marlowe, his contemporary rival. Dr Rory Loughnane, a leading scholar and co-author of the research, told the Guardian that computer analysis of the text pushed the case beyond reasonable doubt that the Stratford-born playwright was the principal writer.
Edward III has long been suspected to contain Shakespeare's work, with scholars believing he wrote at least some scenes. The new analysis upgrades that assessment, attributing the bulk of the play to Shakespeare while also identifying Marlowe's hand in substantial portions.