THE ULTIMATE SONNETEER
Having now written over 2,800 Shakespearean Sonnets, (yes, that's not a typo, he's written over two-thousand eight hundred sonnets), Ryan J-W Smith (aka 'Rogue Shakespeare®') easily holds the world-record, by an unfathomable margin, for authoring more Shakespearean Sonnets than any other person in history.
“Smith… the most prolific – and crucially, experienced – verse-drama writer in the UK”
- Fringe Review
A Shakespearean or 'English' sonnet is 14 lines long, written in iambic pentameter - 5 heartbeats (2 beats - first soft, second strong) per line - with a rhyming structure of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.
Below you can hear one of Smith's first ever sonnets, 'SONNET ZERO' as published in his 2024 'bible', originally written and recorded live on-air in a BBC radio studio in June, 2006.
Sonnet Zero
AVAILABLE NOW!
AVAILABLE NOW! Smith's new book of nearly 2,700 of his widely-praised prophetic/personal/spiritual/political sonnets spanning 17 years of his life from 2007 to 2024.
Chapter 1 of this book includes Smith's first 500 sonnets published in 2012 (see below).
ROGUE SHAKESPEARE'S BIBLE
Truth in Verse (parts I, II & III)
Nosce te ipsum - know thyself - the single, most vital, quest that we were sent to planet Earth to achieve.
For those who dare to read it all, Rogue Shakespeare's Bible becomes a fountain of truth, wisdom, inner peace and power. Smith's Buddhist-inspired path of self and world discovery opens up our hearts to the universal force of raw, unfiltered Love that exists in all of us. The more we read, the more we are empowered by his words - until, at last, we realise who he is; and, who we are.
TAKE THE JOURNEY WITHIN TO KNOW WHO YOU ARE
FIND INNER PEACE, LOVE & THE POWER OF TRUTH
SUBMIT TO THE UNIVERSE & MASTER YOUR WORLD
For spiritual seekers, activists & poetry lovers alike. Shattering all previous records by an unfathomable margin, the critically acclaimed, multiple award-winning, and internationally renowned poet and verse playwright, Ryan J-W Smith, presents an unrivalled demonstration of a poet's absolute mastery of his craft: Rogue Shakespeare's Bible contains nearly 2,700 of Smith's original sonnets, written as the spiritual verse diary of Smith's alter ego, 'Rogue Shakespeare', from 2007 through to 2024 - spanning life in England, Florida, Australia, New York, Los Angeles, Denmark, France and Spain. Like Samuel Pepys before him, Smith has written himself into history as the premier diarist of his time. But Smith's poetic masterpiece is so much more than 'just' a mind-blowing 17 year long secret diary written in strict rhyming iambic pentameter! Boldly political, highly personal, and provably prophetic, Smith challenges the current global order, as much as he strips his artistic soul naked to better himself, for others - for all of us.
Transcending careers into film and law, Smith extensively interviewed and learned from countless experts, whistleblowers, rebels and great thought-leaders of our times - from grass-roots activists to MPs, Members of Congress, US Senators and Presidential Candidates; as well as many out-spoken doctors, academics and prominent international lawyers. Reading Rogue Shakespeare's epic spiritual, intellectual and physical journey, it becomes clear that, beyond earthly wisdom, Smith also channels higher, meditative sources of direct universal knowledge and awareness, as the reader witnesses him predict, again and again, the dire future we all now find ourselves in. Ultimately, despite the hell of the 'brave new world' we are entering, Smith's promise of spiritual liberation manifests - as readers who follow Rogue's maverick path begin to master themselves.
500 Shakespearean Sonnets
An honest, unfiltered, spiritual diary in verse, Smith's first 500 sonnets were published in 2012 and received nothing but glowing reviews from critics and readers alike. These sonnets now make up chapter one (of six) in Smith's epic three-part book of nearly 2,700 sonnets, 'Rogue Shakespeare's Bible'.
"Shakespeare's managed to write 154 - Smith has penned more than three times that number.
...splendidly contemporary...a tour de force"
"this collection shows a tremendous talent and deserves to sit alongside your Poes, Plaths, and T.S. Elliots"
"an honest process of learning, healing and repentance...
a collection of inspirational, honest and didactic poetry"
"Candid, spiritual, philosophical and sometimes boldly political... a landmark in literature"
"impressively well-constructed... often startlingly expressive and insightful...
a fascinating and richly detailed picture of the author"
"Masters of the verse - Smith pays homage to the Bard with the must-read collection of his own modern verse"
"Incredibly well written...a poetic achievement.
A great gift for any poetry lover in your life.
Stunning stuff."
"a diary in verse form from a man seeking to understand his own conflicted nature in this highly-praised new book of self-discovery from award-winning author, Ryan J-W Smith"
NOW A RARE COLLECTOR'S ITEM - FIRST EDITION!
500 SHAKESPEAREAN SONNETS
NOW A RARE COLLECTOR'S ITEM - FIRST EDITION!
Limited first edition (paperback)
Reader Reviews:
★★★★★
These sonnets are truly brilliant as they express deep inspired psychological truths in well very crafted, rhymed and beautiful sonnets. The meanings are deep - but for anyone looking for the path to Liberation they contain many profound insights and clues. The best book of contemporary poetry I have come across since the Four Quartets.
★★★★★
Wonderful...
I started 500 Shakespearean Sonnets at Sonnet 1, and I am making my way, slowly and surely, one masterpiece, by one. Ryan J-W Smith noted in his introduction that if anyone were to do this it would be in a moment of madness. On the contrary, given the power of the prelude and what he shares around his purpose for writing, for me it was the only option. It would be, and is as expected, the best and most fulfilling way to share the author’s amazing journey of self-healing and discovery. Without question, each piece stands alone with intense authority and is a joy to read. Indeed, in every case the poems actually warrant more than one review. It is a rare opportunity, however to be exposed so explicitly to a fellow human’s fluctuating reflections, raw thoughts and observations. Ryan’s expression and representation is so beautifully real, connected and open, it is wonderfully easy to relate to as a reader. I have giggled to myself about how randomly yet aptly matters have been explained. The vision he has and how this is translated into verse is potent, inspiring and for the reader reassuring and very liberating.
500 Shakespearean Sonnets is an account of an amazing passage. For me it has brought much peace and to the author I am most grateful. May this be true for anyone else who chooses to open their minds and hearts to the beauty of loving themselves and what it is to be human. Enjoy 🙂
★★★★★
The diary of 500 Shakespearean Sonnets is in one word brilliant! Even those who think they would not be interested or fear they may not understand will be massively surprised. It’s written in a modern way which is easy to understand. I pretty much only studied Shakespeare at school so I am no expert but Smith beats Shakespeare for me!
★★★★★
Beautiful
This is a fascinating and beautiful read. Possibly because it was initially written for his own purposes and not intended for publication it is very personal, stark, honest, amusing at times and hauntingly lovely at others. His writing style is superb, a true wordsmith, it can be simple and raw or more complex and intricate depending on the subject and presumably his mood at the time of writing each sonnet. They are consistently well written and give a glimpse into the mind of the author and his musings for that day. Given the quality of the writing is arresting enough to capture your attention, it is also gratifying that the subject matter in itself is also well worth the read. His observations on matters of ego, self, humanity and the mind are at times stunning. I look forward to more from this talented and rare Man.
★★★★★
truly worth reading
Hi. Just bought the new book of Ryan J-W Smith “500 Shakespearean Sonnets”. And I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for some NON FAKE poetry, which is actually quite rare now…
I find this book quite inspirational starting from it’s introduction. The author is incredibly honest and sincere to his audience and not many of us would be able to talk about ourselves so open and critical. The same feeling you can get by reading the Sonnets. You can sense straightaway that these were not created for any commercial purposes – it is purely self expression “product”. And this is the reason why this book is so good. Each day/each sonnet is like a piece of author’s diary: different moods, thoughts and themes. From daily life episodes to the deep analysis of our existence…
By reading each sonnet you can discover something completely new or recognise yourself in it. And maybe start thinking a bit more… 😉