William Shakespeare
- Born:
- Baptised April 26, 1564, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
- Died:
- April 23, 1616, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
- Nationality:
- English
- Profession(s):
- Playwright, Poet, Actor
Early Life and Education
- Born to John Shakespeare, a glover and alderman, and Mary Arden, daughter of a wealthy farmer.
- Likely attended Stratford Grammar School, receiving education in Latin grammar, literature, and rhetoric.
- No university records exist, suggesting he did not attend higher education.
Career and Major Achievements
- Around 1590, began working in London theatre, initially as an actor.
- Joined the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later the King's Men) acting company.
- Became a shareholder in the Globe Theatre.
- Wrote approximately 39 plays, spanning comedies, tragedies, histories, and romances.
- Authored 154 sonnets and several narrative poems.
Notable Works
Plays
| Category | Title |
|---|---|
| Tragedy | Hamlet |
| Tragedy | Othello |
| Tragedy | King Lear |
| Tragedy | Macbeth |
| Comedy | A Midsummer Night's Dream |
| Comedy | Twelfth Night |
| History | Richard III |
| History | Henry IV, Part 1 |
| Romance | The Tempest |
| Romance | Romeo and Juliet |
Poetry
- Sonnets (1609)
- Venus and Adonis (1593)
- The Rape of Lucrece (1594)
Legacy and Impact
William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist. His plays continue to be studied, performed, and adapted across the globe, influencing literature, language, and culture for centuries. Researching "a&e william shakespeare biography" reveals the enduring fascination with his life and works.