William Shakespeare (baptised April 26, 1564 – April 23, 1616)Shakespeare (also spelled Shakspere, Shaksper, and Shake-speare) was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England, in April 1564, the son of John Shakespeare, a successful tradesman and alderman, and of Mary Arden, a daughter of the gentry. Because baptisms were performed within a few days of birth, tradition has settled on April 23 as his birthday. Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright. Shakespeare has the reputation of one of the greatest writers in the English language and in Western literature, as well as one of the world's preeminent dramatists. He wrote his works between 1586 and 1616, although the exact dates and chronology of the plays attributed to him are uncertain. His works have been translated into every major living language, his plays are continually performed all around the world, and quotations from his plays have passed into everyday usage in many languages. WorksDoubtful Works |