William Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest author in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramaturge. He is often named England's national poet and the Bard of Avon. His surviving books, including some collaborations, include about 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and several other poems. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.
Shakespeare started life and brought up in Stratford-upon-avon. At the age of 18, he married Anne Hathaway, with whom he had three children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith. Between 1585 and 1592, he began a successful career in London as an actor, author, and part owner of a playing enterprise named the Lord Chamberlain's Men, later known as the King's Men. He appears to have retired to Stratford around 1613, where he passed away three years later.
(William Shakespeare photo #2)
Few records of Shakespeare's private life survive, and there has been considerable speculation about such matters as his physical appearance, sexuality, religious beliefs, and whether the books attributed to him were written by others.
(William Shakespeare photo #3)
Shakespeare created most of his known work between 1589 and 1613. His early plays were mainly comedies and histories, genres he brought up to the peak of sophistication and artistry by the end of the 16th century.
William Shakespeare
