Open Source Shakespeare

[1] The idea of a free online resource compiling Shakespeare's works was conceived in 2001 by Eric M. Johnson, then working as a web designer and theater reviewer for the Washington Times newspaper while pursuing a Master's degree at George Mason University.

[2] In the process of looking up the source of Shakespearian quotes online, Johnson was surprised to learn that no single web resource allowed users to freely access a comprehensive collection of William Shakespeare's writings.

[2] Johnson started to create just such a free and comprehensive digital collection as part of his graduate program, unveiled as the Open Source Shakespeare website in December 2003.

[3] Subsequently, a grant application was made to the National Endowment for the Humanities by Johnson and three members of the English Department of George Mason University to provide funding for the project.

[4] In the middle of 2009 a site version designed for portable devices was unveiled, called Mobile Open Source Shakespeare.