Edward de Vere, 18th Earl of Oxford, was an English nobleman born in 1550. He is often recognized for his patronage of the arts and his connections to notable figures of the Elizabethan era. De Vere was a prominent courtier and served in various roles, including as a member of the royal court under Queen Elizabeth I. De Vere is frequently discussed in relation to the authorship of the works attributed to William Shakespeare. Some scholars propose that he may have written these plays and sonnets, citing his education, literary talent, and experiences as evidence. However, this theory remains a topic of debate among historians and literary experts.