William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

Greatest of all dramatists

The English writer William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is recognised as the greatest of all dramatists. Shakespeare used poetic and dramatic means to create unified aesthetic effects. Many of his words (e.g. "To be or not to be") are still used as a reference.

Shakespeare's plays

The works of William Shakespeare have been translated into every major living language, and his plays are continually performed all around the world. In addition, quotations from his plays have passed into everyday usage in many languages.
Shakespeare's last two plays were written in 1613, after which he appears to have retired to Stratford. William Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616, at the age of 52.
Over the years, many people have speculated about Shakespeare's life, raising questions about his sexuality and debating whether someone else wrote his plays and poetry.

William Shakespeare Biography

Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, steeped in culture and history. Set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the river Avon.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Complete Works in one book

Definitive, comprehensive, and handsome edition presents every one of Shakespeare's great plays-the Comedies, Tragedies and Histories in one book.

Complete Works of William Shakespeare

Famous play: Hamlet

The playwright Hamlet is without question the most famous play in the English language. Probably written in 1601 or 1602, the tragedy is a milestone in Shakespeare's dramatic development.

Hamlet

Hamlet Quotes