Edward de Vere, 15th Earl of Oxford, was an English nobleman born in 1550. He is often associated with the works of William Shakespeare, as some scholars believe he may have been the true author of the plays and sonnets attributed to Shakespeare. De Vere was well-educated and traveled extensively in Europe, which influenced his literary style. As a patron of the arts, de Vere supported various writers and artists during the Elizabethan era. He was known for his wit and intelligence, and his life was marked by both privilege and controversy. De Vere died in 1604, leaving behind a legacy that continues to spark debate among literary historians.