A Declaration of Egregious Popish Impostures

This volume is exceptionally rare and interesting. It provided Shakespeare with the names of some of his spirits, such as Mahu and Flibbertigibbet—the ones who tormented "poor Tom" (see King Lear, Act 3, Scene 4). Furthermore, it is important for truly settling the controversial question of Shakespeare's religion. It proves conclusively that he was a Protestant, since no Catholic would have referred to a fraud original: "imposture" designed to bring hatred original: "odium" and ridicule upon his own faith.

A note by Mr. Thomas Rodd. Thomas Rodd (1796–1849) was a famous London bookseller and bibliographer who specialized in early English literature and Shakespeareana.