was shakespeare a fraud or a plagiarist?

[abu nuwas]

There is another side to all this. Just as with scientific papers, which show research overturning boring long-held views, so with a book seeking to prove that Shakespeare was written by the Pope. In each case, it is easy to see that a paper proclaiming that 'Long-held view correct!' or a book shouting 'Shakespeare wrote Shakespeare!' would either not get published, or if they did, would immediately sink below the waves. That is not to say that research and counter-intuitive insights are to be eschewed, quite the reverse: but it does mean that it is worth flagging up a note of caution in such things.

PS What was the quote you gave above from?