William Shakespeare ​

William Shakespeare was an English poet, playwright and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet, and the "Bard of Avon".

Quick Facts ​

• Was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language.
• Is often called England's national poet, and the "Bard of Avon".
• Wrote approximately 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and a few other verses.

Background ​

Shakespeare was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. His father was a successful glover and wool merchant. Shakespeare attended grammar school, but his educational records are fragmentary. In 1582 he married Anne Hathaway; the couple had three children: Susanna and twins Hamnet and Judith. Around 1590 he left Stratford for London to pursue a career in theatre. His early plays were mainly comedies and histories. He achieved success with Henry V (1599) and a series of tragedies that includes Hamlet (1600), King Lear (1606), Macbeth (1607), Othello (1604), and Antony & Cleopatra (1608). Many of his plays were published in editions of 36 or more plays; the 1623 First Folio collected 18 of his Comedies, 10 of his Histories, and 12 of his Tragedies into a single volume.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Shakespeare's writing style is characterized by a use of poetic language, clever wordplay, and dramatic devices such as soliloquies and asides. His work has had a profound impact on literature and theater, and he is considered one of the greatest writers in the English language. He has also been credited with inventing or popularizing many words and phrases that are still in use today.

Notable Works ​

• Romeo and Juliet (1595)
• Macbeth (1605)
• Hamlet (1609)
• Othello (1611)