Edward de Vere, 17th 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 Shakespeare's plays. 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 personal challenges, including financial difficulties and a troubled marriage.